Summer Self-Care
Summertime brings about a lot of festivities and opportunities for us to gather with people to make fun memories. Whether it’s grilling out, enjoying a day at the beach, or attending a music festival there are so many opportunities to make memories with those we love.
Between some fun in the sun and time with loved ones, it’s important to look out for yourself and practice self-care. This includes both our mental and physical health.
This is particularly relevant because even with all the fun summer brings, we can not escape what is happening in the political scene of our world. As we celebrate Pride month and prepare for the festivities, we have to acknowledge how these things are specifically impacting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We all deserve to exist as our full selves and enjoy the summertime together.
Our summer self-care checklist begins before even leaving the house. Preparations can include putting on sunscreen, gathering the essentials, having a good meal, and drinking plenty of water beforehand. This goes for any activity-filled day, but especially a music festival.
By spending some extra time to care for yourself ahead of large events, you can be more prepared to take on the day. By making sure that we are physically ready, we can better care for our mental health.
Another great thing to prepare ahead of time is a safety contact list. This is a trusted list of people you can call or text to check in with. These can be people who will listen to you vent, offer advice or simply provide a safe place.
It is important to create this list ahead of time so that you do not have to search for a number to call in a time of crisis. If you struggle with sometimes knowing exactly what to say, you can also save some direct examples on how to ask for help.
There will always be people who may want to cause trouble, be rude, or disturb your peace. This is why looking out for each other and community care is vital right now. If you're not sure where to look for a community, some options can be found here.
While attending festivals, or any other summer events, the main thing to remember is that you are not required to engage in any conversations that will be harmful to your mental health. If an individual is pressuring you into a discussion or interaction that is uncomfortable, it’s OK to step away.
Alternatively, if you are witnessing someone dealing with this, please step in as an active ally and assist the person in distress if you are comfortable and feel safe enough to do so. "Hey, is everything okay?" is a great start. Learn more about how to be helpful with these bystander intervention trainings!
Another important thing to remember during this time is to monitor your online presence. While it is important to stay informed on what is happening in the world, it is healthy to unplug when things become overwhelming.
There is a fine line between being informed and being overwhelmed. Figure out what best works for you and adjust your interactions accordingly. Remember that social media is what you make it and you get to choose how you spend your time.
Whether you’ve attended the largest music festival or had the longest day at an amusement park, it is important to have a proper routine to decompress. These can be very simple things such as venting to someone, showering, eating, journaling - anything that makes you feel good.
Ultimately, please remember that you can not save the whole world. Summertime is meant for us to connect with people and spend time relaxing. And just because you show up in the world and identify a certain way does not mean you have to engage in conversations that are harmful to your mental health.