Summer is often seen as a season of relaxation, with the longer days, the nicer weather and the bank holidays that crop up every now and again. However, for many, the stresses of daily life don’t simply melt away.
More and more of us suffer from the likes of stress and anxiety these days, whether it be as a result of work pressures, family responsibilities or financial worries. More people are seeking help with this, and as part of tha,t finding healthy coping mechanisms is key.
UKAT, a mental health clinic London -based, deals with a large number of people struggling in the city, and has been keen to highlight some of the summer activities that can help relieve stress. They’re well worth considering, so it’s all about finding what’s best suited to you…
Get Outdoors and Embrace Nature
Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce stress. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your sleep cycle, while time spent in green spaces has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost mood.
Make the most of the longer days by going for regular walks in the park, taking your lunch break outside, or planning weekend trips to the countryside or coast. Even 20 minutes a day surrounded by nature can have noticeable effects on your mental wellbeing.
Gardening is another therapeutic activity that combines movement, mindfulness, and fresh air, and you don’t need a big space to enjoy it. A small balcony or even a few pots on a windowsill can be enough to connect you to the calming rhythm of the natural world.
Move Your Body in a Way You Enjoy
Exercise is a well-known stress-buster, but it doesn’t have to mean punishing gym sessions. Summer is the perfect time to explore different ways to move your body that are both enjoyable and good for your mind.
Swimming, cycling, paddleboarding, yoga in the park, or even a casual game of football with friends can all help release endorphins, the natural mood-boosting chemicals. The key is to choose something that feels fun, not like a chore. Regular movement improves sleep, lowers anxiety, and boosts self-esteem.
Remember, it’s not about intensity or perfection, it’s about consistency and enjoyment.
Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to become disconnected from the present moment. Mindfulness can help calm a racing mind and bring clarity.
This summer, try building a few minutes of mindfulness into your day. Sit quietly with a cup of tea in the morning, take a few deep breaths before a meeting, or simply notice the sights and sounds during a walk. Breathing exercises, such as box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4), are particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety.
There are plenty of apps available that offer guided sessions for beginners, perfect for getting started.
Prioritise Sleep and Rest
Summer’s longer days and packed social calendars can easily disrupt your sleep routine, but quality rest is essential for managing stress. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling more irritable, less focused, and more emotionally reactive.
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Establish a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time in the evenings, and keep your bedroom cool and dark during the warmer months. Daytime naps can be tempting, but try to keep them short to avoid interfering with nighttime rest.
Remember, rest doesn’t just mean sleep. Taking short breaks during the day, saying no to unnecessary commitments, and giving yourself permission to do nothing are all important forms of rest, too.
Connect with Others but Set Boundaries
Strong social connections can buffer against stress, and summer is a great time to nurture relationships. Whether it’s a picnic with friends, a phone call with family, or a chat over coffee, spending time with supportive people can boost your mood and help you feel grounded.
That said, it’s also important to protect your energy. Don’t feel obligated to attend every gathering or say yes to every request. Setting healthy boundaries is just as vital as being social; it helps prevent burnout and keeps your stress levels in check.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.