Summer, a time associated with fun-filled days in the sun, going to amusement parks and jolly vacations is not always as it looks. Research has proven that several people tend to face SAD or Seasonal affective Disorder during the summers. Although SAD is usually seen in the colder months of winter, a small fraction of people may also experience depressive episodes during the months of summer. The cause may be rooted in biological factors or body issues, disruptive routines, the heat, financial worries or any other personal issue. Depression is a condition that needs evaluation and treatment by a psychiatrist and symptoms should not be ignored at any cost. In addition to your doctor’s advice, here are some ways you can revitalise yourself this summer, beat the blues and overcome the horrid Summer Depression!

11 ways to brighten your mood during the summers:

The summer season can be strenuous. The overwhelming need to complete all your pending tasks while making plans with your friends can leave you with no time for yourself. Use these easy tips to fight the summer depression. 

• Get enough sleep– One of the major reasons for mental health issues is irregular sleep. Catch up on your much-needed beauty sleep. You can invest in diffusers and gentle alarm clocks to improve your sleeping routine. It is recommended to avoid any electronic devices at least an hour before going to sleep. Read or journal to induce sleep naturally and wake up after a good 8 hours of sleep.

• Address your mental health- If you have been feeling unmotivated throughout the day to work or get up from bed if you are already suffering from problems at home or work, this is the ideal time to take action. You can book a therapy appointment for starters. You can also start by taking some time off and evaluating your life emotions and triggers.

• Self-care- Adding on to the previous tip, it is essential to put yourself first at times. Meditate or journal. Pick up an old hobby you loved but have not had the time to pursue lately. Go on daily walks and get some Vitamin D. Invest in clothes that make you feel good or simply treat yourself to your favourite foods. 

• Stay Hydrated- Not drinking enough water can greatly influence a bad mood, making you feel fatigued. This also leads to dehydration, increased chances of heatstroke and fainting. Carry a bottle around with you and set timers at regular intervals to hydrate yourself. 

• Build a routine- The routine you follow during the winter may not be as effective in the summers. The days are longer and more tiring. Slowly ease yourself into a schedule that works for you. Change your sleeping pattern and allow your body clock to time itself. Include activities that are summer-friendly. Keep a good chunk of time for work, with sufficient breaks to avoid burnout. You can set goals for yourself to look forward to completing them. Eat at fixed times, but be kind to yourself if some days do not go as planned. 

• Eat a balanced diet- Go grocery shopping and pick out all the summer vegetables and fruits you love. Actively choose to serve yourself by making dishes at home with fresh ingredients. It is recommended to plan your weekly meals and do your meal prep on Sundays to feel more organised. It is healthy to include snacks you love eating. Look up easy meals to make on the internet and consume food that has good fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins. 

• Declutter your environment- Your home and space can influence how you feel. Clumsy and dirty rooms make you feel burdened, lethargic and exhausted. Open your blinds, get your cleaning tools out and organise your space. Donate or recycle anything that you do not require. Add little touches of your style to your space and put everything back in its place. This tip will be very handy in making you feel motivated and inspired.

• Do not isolate yourself- It might have become natural to disappear from your social circles whenever you face a depressive episode. You may feel like only spending time wallowing with yourself. But doing this can hamper your relationships with people who care about you. Reach out to friends and family you trust and express how you will. This is guaranteed to make you feel lighter while strengthening your bonds. 

• Exercise!- This is a tip often talked about, but not enough people know why exercising can make changes in their life. It does physically make you healthier and stronger but it has been proven to have mental health benefits. Exercising releases endorphins which activate happiness in your brain. You are bound to feel accomplished after a good workout. Some days are difficult to get out of bed. On those days you must focus on the feeling of success you will feel afterwards. 

• Avoid Social Media- It is healthy to take a break from social media, with people posting about their magnificent vacations and summer bodies. Everything is highly edited to look perfect which can make you feel bad about yourself. A detox from this culture is a must. 

• Learn something- If you have always wanted to learn French or take guitar classes, now is the ideal time! You have plenty of time and learning something new will keep your mind engaged while you gain a wonderful skill.

Never hesitate to seek professional help if you experience symptoms like low mood, sadness, irritability, weakness, hopelessness, disturbed sleep and diet patterns for 2 weeks or more. We hope this summer season you can work on breaking through the summer depression and make memories that you love and cherish through these wonderful tips!

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.