Simple Ways for You to Improve Your Mood This Summer

 

18 Things to Help Improve Your Mood This Summer

We all experience “the blues” sometimes. Although “SAD” or Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common in the winter months, people can experience some bouts of depression during the summertime.

You may find yourself feeling out of sorts and needing to adjust your mood. Don’t fall victim to “the blues” this summer. Improve your mood and overall well-being. Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.

Get More Sunlight

Who can beat that great summer sun? Get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine this summer. How can sunlight improve your mood? Exposure to sunlight helps the body release serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone in the body that can help to stable your mood. It has even been shown to help you sleep better.

Depending on the month, summer can get pretty hot especially if you live in the South. However, there is a way for you to get that much needed sunshine and stay cool. Instead of go outside during the hottest time of the day, you should opt to wait for the evening time or head out in the early morning before the temperatures rise.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is vital during the hot, summer months. Our bodies are made up of mainly water. Water helps to keep our joints lubricated. It provides a cushion for the brain, spinal cord, and other body tissues. Staying hydrate will also help you to maintain a stable body temperature, and it will help to keep your blood pressure regulated.

So, before heading out, grab a bottle of water. Plus, consider taking your water with you. Large, plastic water containers can be taken along with you to work, on nature walks, or any other place. A lot of these containers have water levels marked on them. They can help you measure the amount of water you consume.

Go for a Walk

The flowers have bloomed, and the birds are singing. Nature can do wonders for your mood. It’s beauty has a calming effect that can’t be denied. Taking a walk out in nature, going to your local gym, or simply walking around your work space can help to relieve stress and anxiety.  It can also provide you with the opportunity to relax and reflect. Both of which can also help to improve your general well-being. So, go for that walk.

Take a Drive

If you can’t go for a walk, you can always go for a leisurely drive. Plan your drive. Don’t simply up and decide to go for a drive on the freeway in the middle of midday traffic. This drive should be on your day off and during a time when traffic is at a minimum.

If at all possible, try to make this drive out in the country where you can better enjoy the peace and serenity that nature has to offer. Be sure to put on some of your favorite music. This will help to relax you while you are driving.

Get Enough Sleep

Your brain needs sleep in order to allow its neurons to recharge and keep functioning at their best. Going without sleep for 24 hours or longer can result in behavior similar to that of being intoxicated.  Body functions become impaired. Slurred speech, lack of impulse control, poor judgment, and decreased attention are all the results of not getting enough sleep. And, just like a person who is legally drunk, you should not be behind the wheel. Your reflexes are slower.  Your coordination is off. Your vision and your judgment are impaired. All of which can lead to an accident.

Your brain must have deep sleep and not just a quick nod in order for the neurons of the cerebral cortex to recharge and keep functioning at optimal levels. The ability to recall information and retain new memories is impaired when these neuron are not allowed to repair themselves. Getting enough sleep will also help to decrease stress hormones and help you to feel more energized.

Read

Reading a book or even listening to one on tape is a great way to help you settle down and relax. Don’t try to force yourself to read something overly complicated. Pick a book that you will enjoy. Any simple, easy-to-read book will do.

Journal

Put your thoughts down on paper. Journaling is a wonderful way to relax and decompress. Your journal doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Even a simply tablet or notebook can be turned into a place to keep your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

A gratitude journal is going to work the best. Instead of focusing on the negative things going on in your life, you can focus on the things that you are grateful for. This will help to combat negative feelings and any pinup frustrations.

Visualize

Create a relaxing image in your mind. Visualize yourself happy and fulfilled. You might even want to post pictures of things that make you happy around your desk or on your refrigerator so that you can continuously be reminded to stay calm and to be happy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWp13iFjmcU&t=123s

Think Positive

Kick those negative thoughts to the curb. Refuse to think on the negative things. Think on the positive. This can sometimes be easier said than done. However, you can do it. But, you will have to make a conscious effort to focus on the things that are going right instead of the things that are going wrong. The gratitude journal can help you do this. Start each day by thinking about the things that you are thankful for. Think about the things that make you happy or give you joy. Try to see each obstacle or disappointment that you face as a nudge toward your destiny. Know that no matter what happens, it is all working for your good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvmZDYeIu38&t=105s

Vacation

Grab your bags and go on vacation. Your vacation doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary. Any overnight trip away from home can be turned into a vacation.

You may even decide to take a staycation and visit some sites in your local areas. If you can’t take an actual vacation and get away from the house, consider renting a hotel room for the night. You’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel by just leaving home.

Reconnect with Old Friends

Now is a good time to reach out to some old friends. Reconnect. Work on repairing any problems that caused the rift. Prioritize your friendships. Make it a point to spend more time with your friends.

Go to the Movies

Summer and movies go hand in hand. Take a trip to the theater or set up a projector in your own home. Watch a movie that you’ve been dying to see. You can make this a family outing, or you can be a “lone ranger.” And, don’t forget to grab a bag of popcorn!

Hobbies

Make time for your hobbies. Do the things that make you happy. Summer hobbies can include gardening, quilting, collecting seashells, and dancing. It does not matter if this is a new hobby or an old one, just get into the swing of things.  

Take a Course

Learn something new. Consider taking a course over the break. And, this course doesn’t have to be something hard or difficult. This should be relaxing, so pick something that will bring you happiness.

Classes can be taken in person or online. The advantage of an online course is the fact that it can be completed from almost anywhere that has an internet connection.

Decrease Sugar Consumption

Sugar is not only addictive. It can contribute to weight gain. Plus, getting too much of it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even put you at risk for developing mood disorders. Instead of reaching for the sugar, try eating more fresh or dry fruits.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-sugar-and-depression

Stop drinking so many sodas. Studies have shown that consuming just one can soda a day can led to a 20 pound weight gain in one year.

Sodas also contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it can lead to dehydration. Instead of the reaching for that can of soda drink, water or natural fruit juice. They will help to keep you hydrated. Plus, they don’t have the additional sugar that sodas have.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables

Eat healthy. Summer is the perfect time to load up on fruits and vegetables. Most vegetables are high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep things moving through your digestive system. It also helps your body remove those toxics, and it helps to stabilize your weight. So, load up on those fruits and vegetables. You can even dabble in growing your own during this warm weather season.

Set the Mood

Get in a relaxing state of mind. You can use candles, soft music, and aroma therapy to help you relax. House plants and neutral tones can also be used to bring your mind into a calm space. Be sure to remove any noise, clutter, or other distractions.

Create a routine for relaxing. Choose a designated place to relax and a set time for relaxation. This will help to program your body to wind down.

Forgive

If you are holding any grudges or other negative feelings, release them. Unforgiveness can ruin your overall health. You may be holding on to some unresolved resentment and bitterness. Unforgiveness can lead to migraine headaches, upset stomach, anxiety, and indigestion. If you want to feel better, then you will need to forgive.

Forgive the people who have wronged you. Open your heart and mind to new beginnings. Move forward.

Improve the way you feel this summer and throughout the year. Make a few adjustments to your behavior and boost your mood. These adjustments can include change your diet from one filled with sugar and processed foods to a healthier one. Get some sun and some exercise. This will help release those feel-good hormones. Put down the soda and reach for the water instead. This will help to keep you hydrated and flush the toxins from your body. Take up a hobby or resume an old one. Reconnect with old friends. Make relationships a priority and set the mood for relaxation.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Information give is advice from my own personal experience. For any serious medical advice

 

Fun Journal Topics for High School Students

 

Summer is finally here, and most students cherish this time away from teachers. However, parents and educators often worry that their children will lose valuable skills over the summer. Whether you are an educator or a concerned parent, you can help your high school student keep up their writing skills during the summer. One of the best ways to do this is through assigning journal writing. The following are great summer journal topics:

Identity issues

Teenager often struggle with their identity. This can open up a whole new world of ideas for writing topic. Some ideas include:

Things I have done to try to fit in…

What are the things about myself I would like to change and why?

The things that I love about myself are…

If I could switch places with one of my friends, who would it be and why?

Peer pressure

Peer pressure is another issue that high school students deal with on a regular basis. Journal topics about peer pressure can include:

Have you ever felt pressured by your friends to do something you knew was wrong?

In what ways do your friends influence you?

What strategies do you use to stay true to yourself?

Dating

Many high school students have begun dating. Topics that deal with dating are interesting, and high school students may actually enjoy writing about these topics:

What was your favorite date? Why?

What is your favorite dating spot? Why

If you could go on a date with anyone, who would it be and why?

What are some dating safety tips that you would give to a younger student?

Opinions

High school students are also very opinionated. Allow them to voice their opinion with some of their journal topics.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

What classes should be added to your school’s curriculum?

If you could be principal for a day, what changes would you make? Why?

What was your favorite movie this summer? Why? Be sure to include details about the plot and actors.

Sports

Summer sports offer a means of entertainment. They also offer some great journal topics.

What is your favorite summer sport? Why?

Who is your favorite athlete? Why?

If you could give any pro-sport star some advice, who would it be and why?

Environment

Summertime is a great time for getting back to nature. Encourage your high school student to think about the environment this summer. The following are journal topics that are nature based.

Why is it important to recycle?

Which common items in your home can you recycle?
How can you get your family involved in preserving the environment?

What can you do to get your community or your school involved in preserving the environment?

What are some ways to keep your house cool and save energy at the same time?

What simple lifestyle changes can you make to help conserve electricity?

Summertime

Let summer be the inspiration for many of the journal topics that you assign. Some examples of these are:

What is your favorite summer memory? Why?

What are some great ways to stay cool?

What is your favorite summer flower?

What are the best songs to listen to for summer?

Just because it is summertime, it doesn’t mean that learning has to stop. Writing assignments can help your high school student stay focus on learning. The summer journal topics listed above are both educational and fun.

How to Foster a Love of Writing in Your Students

 

 

The first of school, my students could have cared less about writing. It was not something that they did often, and when they did have to complete a writing assignment, they didn’t like it. Now, school is almost over for the year, and I can’t get them to think about much else. They write and write often. And, the great thing is that I don’t have to tell them to write. In fact, they write on their own, and they can’t wait for me to critique their work. So, how did I get those reluctant writers to begin writing more?

Be an Example

As a teacher, we must lead by example. My students know that I loved to write. They also know that I write often. It helped that I write for the local newspaper, and many of my students had read some of my articles. They later learned that I write on-line and blog. I frequently shared with them the reasons that I love to write. I talked passionately about my writing, and my students saw my excitement and wanted to be a part of it.

Publish Student Work

Many of my students did not know that they could have their writings published. So, when they saw my writing on-line, they became motivated to write their own short stories, poems, and articles. I then made it a point to submit their work to any and every writing contest that they qualified for. Yes, it was a lot of work. However, it was worth it. A few of my students won writing contests and were recognized for their work. This help to make the other students work harder and write more.

Encourage Expression

Even though my students are pre-teens, they are very opinionated. They loved to let you know what they think and how they feel. So, I let them. No, I don’t let them their feelings out or disrupt my class. Instead,  I have them transfer their feelings to a journal or diary.

Use the Local Newspaper

Because my students know I write for the local newspaper, they are always telling me about things that are going on in the community or in the school. Instead of grabbing the scoop myself, I encourage them to compose new stories on their own. These are critiqued, and if they are interesting, I submit them to the local paper.

Getting students interested in writing can be difficult. However, I have found that if you show your students how much you love writing and the world opportunities that it can open up, they too will develop a love for writing.

 

February Journal Writing Topics

Fall in love with writing this February. Use the following writing prompts to start a fire in your heart.

1.      February 1 is National Freedom Day. President Lincoln signed the 13^th Amendment on February 1, 1865. National Freedom Day became an official holiday on June 30, 1948. Write a paragraph describing 3 freedoms that you are thankful for.

2.      Ground Hog’s Day is on February 2. Research the origin of Ground Hog’s Day. Then, write a brief description of this holiday’s origin.

3.      Send a Card to a Friend Day is February 7^th. So, compose a few quick lines that you would like to send to a close friend.

4.      The Winter Olympics will be starting soon. Which winter sport is your favorite and why.

5.      February 8 is Boy Scout Day. Make a list of some great activities that you can do to help improve your neighborhood or school.

6.      On February 9, Hersey’s Chocolates Company was founded. What is your favorite candy and why?

7.      February is Black History Month. List 5 famous African American and their accomplishments.

8.      This is also Canned Food Month. Write about creative ways that you can collect canned goods.

9.      February 11 is National Inventors Day. Write about 5 inventions that you are most thankful for.

10.  Think of 4 special people in your life and write them appreciation letters.

11.  The colors of Valentine’s Day are red, white, and pink. What other colors do you think could be used for Valentine’s Day and why?

12.  Compose a poem for someone you love.

13.  Think of your favorite Valentine’s Day gift. What was it and why?

14.  If you could go on a date with anyone living or dead this Valentine’s Day, who would it be and why?

15.  February is National Dental Health Month. What are some ways that you can take better care of your teeth?

16.  President’s Day is February 17. Write a paragraph comparing and contrast 2 United States Presidents.

17.  February is National Heart Month. List 3 ways that you can help to keep your heart healthy.

18.  If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?

19.  February 27 is Polar Bear Day.  List 5 fun facts about Polar Bears.

20.  List 4 famous African Americans from your state.

Let the love of writing warm your heart this February. Choose some or all of the writing prompts listed above.

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