Top 10 Reasons Why Summer is a Great Time to Start Therapy
“ In the summer, the days [are] long, stretching into each other… everything on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything [is] possible.”
SARAH DESSEN
Summer, with its unique rhythm and atmosphere, presents an ideal opportunity to start or continue therapy. The change in season often brings a shift in routine, which can be harnessed to foster personal development. The longer days and warmer weather naturally lend themselves to a more relaxed pace of life, making it easier to carve out time for self-care activities, including therapy. The summer season, with its unique characteristics, provides an ideal backdrop for beginning or continuing therapy.
Here are the top 10 reasons why summer is a great time to start therapy.
1.Increased Daylight and Mood Improvement
The extended daylight hours of summer can have a positive impact on your mood and energy levels. Sunlight boosts the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. This natural uplift can make it easier to tackle difficult emotions and engage more actively in therapeutic work. Starting therapy when you're feeling more positive can set a solid foundation for addressing deeper issues.
2.Flexible Schedules
Summer often brings a break from the usual school or work routine, providing a perfect window to focus on mental health. Students are out of school, and many workplaces slow down or offer more flexible schedules. This decrease in daily pressures can reduce stress, allowing individuals to approach therapy with a clearer mind and greater commitment. Without the distraction of constant deadlines, you can invest more energy into your sessions and the personal growth that comes with them.
3.Opportunity for Outdoor Activities
The summer season encourages more outdoor activities, which can be integrated into therapeutic practices. Many therapists endorse the benefits of incorporating nature into treatment, whether through walking therapy sessions, mindfulness practices in parks, or simply encouraging clients to spend time outdoors. Nature has a calming effect, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and providing a tranquil setting for self-reflection and growth.
4.Vacation Time for Reflection
Summer vacations and travel plans can also serve as valuable opportunities for therapeutic work. Time away from your usual environment can offer new perspectives and insights into your life and relationships. Discussing these experiences with your therapist can lead to breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of yourself. Travel can disrupt routine patterns, allowing you to see your behaviors and thought processes in a new light, which can be highly beneficial in therapy.
5.Reduced Stress Levels
The slower pace of summer can lead to reduced stress levels. With less pressure from work or school, individuals may find themselves more relaxed and open to exploring their thoughts and feelings in therapy. This can facilitate a more productive therapeutic process, as clients are often more receptive and less defensive when they are not feeling overwhelmed.
6.More Time for Self-Care
With the demands of daily life slightly eased, summer provides more opportunities to prioritize self-care. Engaging in therapy can be a key component of a broader self-care routine that includes physical exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation. The holistic approach to well-being that summer allows can enhance the benefits of therapy.
7.Social Opportunities and Support Networks
Summer often brings increased social activities, from barbecues and picnics to community events. These interactions can provide valuable support networks, which are essential for those in therapy. Discussing social experiences with a therapist can help individuals navigate social dynamics and improve their relationships, leading to a more supportive environment for personal growth.
8.Goal Setting and Personal Development
The sense of renewal and vitality that comes with summer can inspire individuals to set and work towards personal goals. Whether these goals involve improving relationships, managing stress better, or enhancing self-esteem, the momentum of the summer can support these efforts. Therapy can provide the guidance and tools needed to achieve these goals, making summer an especially productive time for personal development.
9.Preparation for the Busy Season Ahead
Starting therapy in the summer can help establish a mental health routine that carries into the rest of the year. Building a strong foundation during this season can make it easier to continue therapy once the busier fall and winter months arrive. Establishing healthy mental health practices in a more relaxed period can ensure that they remain a priority even when life becomes more hectic.
10.Enhanced Motivation and Engagement
The warmth and brightness of summer can enhance motivation and engagement in therapy. People are generally more active and willing to try new things during this season, which can translate into a more dynamic and effective therapeutic process. This increased willingness to engage can lead to significant progress and lasting change.
* Address Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
While most people enjoy the summer season, others find the change of seasons a difficult transition. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is usually associated with the “winter blues” or “winter depression”. However, SAD is a type of depression that people can experience in both the spring and summer. While it is normal to experience mood fluctuations and some appetite and sleep changes, summer depression, however, is a more severe condition whereby the symptoms cause significant distress and/or interfere with your daily functioning such as work, school or personal life.
A number of treatments have been found helpful in the treatment of summer depression, so it is important to see a mental health professional and not suffer in silence.
Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and mental well-being. It provides a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing you to gain insights and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Engaging in therapy can help individuals manage stress, overcome emotional difficulties, and improve their relationships. As society continues to recognize the value of mental health, more people are turning to therapy to enhance their quality of life.
The summer offers a unique set of advantages that make it an excellent time to engage in therapeutic work. The season's increased daylight, relaxed schedules, opportunities for outdoor activities, travel experiences, and goal-setting potential all contribute to a supportive environment for therapy. Embracing therapy during the summer can lead to profound personal growth and set the stage for a healthier, more balanced life throughout the year.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
