Sunshine, Nature’s Medicine
If you notice an extra bounce in your step during the summer months, it might just be from that extra sunshine. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which is associated with mood elevation. Getting less sunlight can lead to lower serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of depression or lethargy. This happens frequently during the winter months and can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression. Symptoms include mood changes, decreased energy, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes.
While it isn’t a magic bullet, getting outside and getting active can help boost your mood. With the sunny, warm weather, there really is no better time to do it.
We asked four of Happier Living’s clinicians how they like to get outside during the summer months.
Jennifer Arzate, mental health nurse practitioner
As someone who loves the outdoors, I find that spending time in the sun and fresh air is incredibly beneficial for my mental and physical well-being.
Some of my favorite summertime activities include hiking, sailing, and swimming. I tend to start my summer hikes nice and early to avoid being outside in intense heat. There's something magical about starting the day with a hike. The cool morning air and the sounds of nature awakening create a serene and invigorating experience. It also helps to set a positive tone for my day. A day of sailing always feels like a mini vacation to me, offering a wonderful way to recharge. On especially hot days, I find that swimming is a fantastic way to stay active while also cooling off. Plus, swimming has a meditative quality that helps me unwind and relax.
Kensie Hoag, social worker
My favorite outdoor activities to do in nice weather include planting as many flowers and vegetables as I can! I enjoy the process of being able to watch my food, which provides me with healthy nourishment, be grown from a tiny seed to something I can place on my plate and eat. I also enjoy seeing flowers in my outdoor space and being able to smell them and care for them. It is therapeutic for me to cultivate a space that brings me small bits of joy in the hot summer months. Farmer's markets are also a staple in nice weather. It's a great chance to socialize, appreciate the art and hard work from others in my community, and contribute to my local economy. Another thing I enjoy is hikes, and visiting local butterfly gardens or botanical gardens to observe native plants and animals.
Dr. Mark Schlotterback, psychiatrist
I love being outside, but when I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, sometimes it's hard to get out. The task feels daunting and difficult. When I find myself feeling this way, I use the mantra: "one minute of time spent outside is better than zero minutes of time spent outside." I don't usually like to set lofty or unreachable goals.They end up being obstacles to my wellness – not motivators. Instead, I set an achievable goal of spending one minute outside. I then allow myself the flexibility of choosing to go back inside to my routine after that one minute if I want to. What happens is that, almost every time, I realize how nice it is to be outside. I end up spending longer out there, whether it's going for a short walk with my wife, playing with my cats, grilling, or just closing my eyes and listening to a podcast. I end up having more "free time" than I estimated, and the deviation from my usual routine ends up being exactly what I needed.
Dr. Alexis Weisinger, Director of Clinician Experience
Summer is my favorite season, particularly since my favorite simple pleasure is feeling the sun on my face. Whether it's the beach, the pool or a lake, you can always find me by – or more likely, in – the water. I love any and all water activities, including swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and boating.
There are so many wonderful health benefits of getting outside: fresh air, vitamin D from the sun, and all the mental and physical benefits of moving your body and being out among nature. If only in small ways, I try to find time every day to spend outside, whether it's dining al fresco, sitting out back with a good book at the end of the day, or taking a brief walk around the block during breaks in my work day.
If you are noticing Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms, we are here to help. Select "Get Started" at the top of our website to make an appointment with one of our clinicians.
