Mental Health Focus: Connect & Relax  

The end of the school year is a bittersweet time for all impacted.  Youth may be happy to see the homework go but sad to not see and interact with their friends daily. Parents may be happy to see the kids more often but also overwhelmed with setting and getting into the new routine. So how do we healthily adjust to the new normal for the next few months?
Here’s 8 tips to help connect with each other and relax outdoors: 

  • Relax outdoors – ditch the couch.
      • On those beautiful summer days, move your activities outdoors to soak up the sun and breathe fresh air. Lunch? Grab a blanket and picnic basket. Reading? Grab a lawn chair and your book or kindle. Chatting with a friend? Move to the patio or porch. 
  • Reconnect with nature by going for a walk. 
      • Northwest Ohio has some great neighborhoods, parks, and trails. Reconnect with nature by exploring the outdoors. Take a stroll around your neighborhood. Take the family and the dog to explore the local parks. Grab the sunscreen and bug spray and head to a local trail to get some fresh air and exercise in nature. 
  • Connect with healthy foods at the local farmer’s market. 
      • Take advantage of the local farmer’s market and the chance to get some fresh, healthy foods from local vendors. This is a great opportunity to connect with local vendors, to try new foods, and incorporate healthier options into your diet. 
  • Relax & reconnect with family with a vacation or staycation.
      • Whether you head to hike to the mountains, soak up sun on the beach, tour a new city or just enjoy local offerings, take the time to unplug and relax.  Enjoy spending time with family and friends!  Relax, recharge, refresh, and reconnect!
  • Reconnect with friends and family. 
      • Schedule time to reconnect with family and friends.  Make that coffee date, schedule that lunch, host a bonfire or shrimp boil or potluck to reconnect with loved ones. 
  • Connect with your creative side through yard work or DIY projects.
      • Get those creative juices flowing by planning and executing a project in the yard. Maybe it’s finally planning & planting that garden you’ve always wanted or getting around to building that DIY patio you’ve wanted to. Connect your creative side with some outdoor activities. 
  • Relax with exercise outdoors.
      • Move that movement outdoors. Take your yoga mat to the yard or patio for a fresh take on these calming moves. Or spend some time just meditating & breathing in the outdoors. Soak up the vitamin D, breathe the fresh air, and get those endorphins flowing!
  • Connect with your joys.
    • Take time to discover what brings you joy and then make those connections. Make a list of things that you are grateful for or bring joy to your life. Take stock of your successes and celebrate those good things in your life. 

Use these ideas to make your own plan to connect with others and relax outdoors this summer. Make this summer a season of healthy growth and self-care. Crisis support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 1-800-468-4357 (1-800-GOT-HELP) or by dialing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988.

What do you do to balance your mental health? Share your story with us by completing this survey. 

Categories: Connect, Relax, Tips