Summer is here! And boy, are we excited. The season of trips, outings, family gatherings, going to the beach, vacations, cookouts, and the kids at home is officially here. 

When I think about all the energy that goes into preparing for and engaging in each of those things, I immediately feel exhausted. I remember feeling like I needed a vacation after my vacation. And I remember the years of being a kid at home: "If you ask me for one more thing..." was my mom's common phrase. All the hustle and bustle that goes into making it a "great summer" at times can cause more stress than anything. We end up being short with our loved ones just because the screen on our computer froze when purchasing our plane ticket…or the dreaded line at the airport has us anxious about missing our flight. And oh, my goodness, do not let the fire go out on the grill while everyone swarms around you, asking if the meat is ready. 

Let's be honest; summer can be mentally exhausting. So, what do we do? What do we do about the season that we have fond feelings for that costs us our peace and tranquility while trying to enjoy it?

We slow down and stop to smell the roses—literally!

Connecting with nature is proven to be restorative to our mental well-being. Government data shows that connecting with nature helps to improve our mood, outlook, and health. The great outdoors is the earth's gift to us and our mental health. 

So how do you receive this gift, you might ask? 

1. Get some natural sunlight.

(Make sure you put on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher). Exposure to natural sunlight boosts serotonin production in our brains, which helps with mood regulation. 

2. Breathe deeply in the great outdoors.

Take a minute to quiet and still yourself. Then inhale deeply while standing near a tree, and receive the free gift of oxygen tree leaves provide. When our blood is saturated with oxygen, our heart rate decreases, and our cognitive function goes up, allowing us to think and process clearly, and improving our creativity and productivity. 

3. Observe.

Look at how the area you are in is laid out, examine how tall the trees are or the differences in their bark, observing the thickness of the roots going deep into the ground. Is it possible that you saw a cloud shaped like Jay Leno'sLeno's face? Or you can take the time to count the number of waves crashing on the shore. 

Perhaps you are on a ranch; look at the landscape, the vastness of it all, how far it stretches, what you see on the horizon; I'm sure that sunset will be beautiful later. The outdoors has given us things to take in visually, and this has been proven to make us feel calm. 

4. Listen.

What is the space you are in telling you? What do you hear? Is it the busying hum of insects in their natural habitat or birds chirping? Is it the babbling of a creek or brook or the rustling leaves as a light breeze hits them? 

For me, nothing is more calming and relaxing than the sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach. With your eyes opened or closed, taking the time to listen to these sounds helps to reduce cortisol levels which should help you experience less muscle tension, feeling relaxed and peaceful. 

5. Move around in open space.

The earth has provided us with a natural obstacle course; walking through forests or wooded areas creates opportunities for walking uphill or downhill, ducking to avoid being hit by branches, or climbing to a specific area. Are you walking on sand, working to maintain your balance, or are waist deep in the ocean, using those leg muscles to chase your loved ones? You could be on a mountain, taking in the sights while rock climbing. 

When we move through these environments, our heart rate goes up, calories are burning, the brain is firing, and muscles are contracting and relaxing; this movement should lead to a well-deserved good night's sleep. Studies have shown that good sleep helps us to pay attention, absorb information while learning, and maintain cognitive skills. Besides being deemed grumpy or unbearable by our loved ones, insufficient sleep has been found to increase negative emotional responses to stressors.

So, get out there, no matter what you find yourself doing, and reclaim your mental health this summer season by taking time to enjoy the great outdoors!!!