emotional

6 helpful tips to improve emotional well-being during summer, especially during periods of depression

  1. Buy and display fresh flowers at home.

Fresh flowers have an incredible ability to create a cozy, warm atmosphere. They bring a sense of nature, lightness, and beauty into your home, even when heavy thoughts weigh on your mind. A small bouquet on the table or a pot of greenery on the windowsill can lift your mood, ease anxiety, and bring a sense of harmony. For example, place bright sunflowers or fragrant lavender in your room. Looking at their colors and shapes each day can help distract from negative thoughts, calm the mind, and reduce symptoms of depression. Taking care of plants—watering, cleaning leaves—is also a form of meditation that fosters a sense of responsibility and joy from small successes.

  1. Go on picnics and prepare tasty snacks yourself.

Planning a short trip outdoors, whether with friends or alone, is not just a fun activity—it’s a powerful way to support your emotional well-being, especially during depressive episodes. Preparing your own snacks gives a sense of control and satisfaction. Choosing your favorite fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, or salads not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul. Cooking helps shift focus from heavy thoughts to a pleasant task, and being in nature gives your mind much-needed rest. This simple break helps boost energy, lower stress, and even improve sleep. Plus, social interaction during picnics strengthens emotional bonds, which are vital for mental balance. A picnic is like a mini vacation from everyday stress, offering strength and positive feelings. Try to schedule such outings at least once a week—it can make your summer truly beneficial for your emotional health.

  1. Eat light and colorful meals.

Light and colorful meals aren’t just about flavor—they also play a role in supporting emotional well-being, especially during depressive flare-ups. Bright vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help maintain brain balance and stabilize mood. Juicy berries, fragrant bell peppers, and fresh greens not only please the eye but also aid digestion, contributing to a sense of lightness and harmony. In summer, for instance, you can prepare a vibrant salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and green onions, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This type of meal is gentle on the body and instead gives you an energy boost and better sleep. Taking care of what you eat strengthens the mind-body connection, which is essential during times of emotional distress.

  1. Accept the days when you feel sad.

Summer is often associated with joy, celebrations, and ease, but even during this bright season, everyone can have days when they feel low or emotionally drained. It’s important to remember that feeling sad, confused, or tired is completely normal and natural. You don’t need to fight these emotions or force yourself to be cheerful all the time. Allow yourself to take a break from unnecessary expectations and do not demand that you be perfect. Sometimes it’s enough to just be alone with yourself — listen to your favourite music, immerse yourself in silence or write your thoughts in a diary. Such simple actions help to unburden yourself emotionally and restore your inner balance. At the same time, it is important not to forget about medication support and take the medications prescribed by your doctor, such as Aropax, Norpress, Stablon, Feliz S, Xet, Apo-Moclobemide or Celapram. Taking care of yourself means not only giving space to emotions, but also not forgetting about treatment that helps you stay in the resource.

  1. Protect yourself from the heat.

Intense heat can lead to fatigue, irritability, and I low mood. That’s why protecting yourself from overheating is about more than physical comfort — it’s also crucial for emotional well-being. Simple habits can help: wear lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, stay hydrated, and avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours. If you need to be outside, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen (for example, Daylong Extreme SPF 50+ Lotion). Evening mild overheating can cause headaches, tiredness, and reduced focus, which can worsen symptoms of depression. Try to plan your day with breaks in cool or shaded places — it will make summer much easier to handle.

  1. Capture happy summer moments in photos.

When you take photos of joyful moments — a walk in the park, a picnic with friends, a sunset, or a child’s smile — you’re not just capturing outer beauty, you’re also amplifying your positive emotions. The act of taking photos helps you notice the little things we often overlook: the bright hue of a flower, the play of light and shadow, a genuine glance. These photos become tiny treasures of happiness you can revisit whenever you feel down or anxious. They remind you that life is full of light and warmth, even when it’s hard to feel that way. Creating a photo journal also helps build mindfulness skills — you learn to appreciate simple pleasures and stay present at the moment. Consider putting together an album or digital collection of your summer memories to share with loved ones. Looking through these moments together can strengthen connections, lift your spirits, and provide emotional support.