HOW TO MANAGE SUMMER STRESS

Summer is often thought of as a time to be care-free, to take a break from school, work, or other responsibilities and simply relax, travel, or enjoy sun and fun. Yet, according to the American Physiological Society, stress can rise in the summer. The once peaceful weekends are now filled with a
myriad of activities, leaving little time for self-care.

For families, the increased demand for your time and energy may lead to stress. With the school summer break, keeping children engaged in activities can be hectic with scheduling drop-offs and pick-ups, along with the added costs of summer camps or daycares, family trips, and other activities. To minimize summer stress, parents can take note of the school breaks at the beginning of each new school year. Begin to save and plan for school break activities. Pack lunches for your children instead of purchasing foodwhile at summer camp or daycare. Find low-cost or free activities, such as visiting beaches, family game or movie nights at home, or going on picnics, to minimize financial stress.

The summertime weather can trigger stress with thoughts of hurricanes and how to protect your property and loved ones. Trying to stay cool with rising temperatures and the increased utility cost associated with staying cool. The rising temperatures may also cause irritability and disrupted sleep patterns. There may be health related stress due to the Saharan dust, such as eye irritation, asthma attacks, or respiratory conditions. Since we cannot precisely predict weather events, to minimize summer stress, have a readymade plan for possible weather events, double check your insurance policies, and budget for increased utility and health related costs.

Financial stress may occur with extra spending for vacations, hosting visiting family and friends, Carnival and fete activities, home improvement projects, and the like. Rising travel costs are a reality. Stress may be triggered by missing flight connections, travel delays or cancellations, along with increased accommodation, airfare, and fuel fees. To minimize summer stress, create a to-do list of how you plan to spend your summer and create a summer budget with realistic expectations about what activities are affordable and doable. Know that there is power in saying “no” to extra invites that may cause you to feel overwhelmed or that may stretch your budget. Try a staycation. Select two or three activities that will not break the bank. Complete home improvement projects in phases and do mini projects until you reach your ultimate goal. Be okay with simply staying home and relaxing.

So how can you manage and minimize summer stress to focus on self-care? A good start is by managing and minimizing your expectations, along with a little planning. Make time for yourself. This may include meditation, yoga, exercising, napping, reading, breathing exercises, getting a massage, or simply putting your toes in the sand. More importantly, give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing, if it pleases you.