08/01/2019
In the summer, life in the Coachella Valley is difficult for many people. Several of my Clients tell me they feel lonely and discouraged because, “when it’s this hot, there’s absolutely nothing to do”. In truth, we are all forced to alter our routines when the daily temperature is above 100 degrees. It’s easy to become stressed, anxious or depressed when you can’t do the outdoor activities you enjoy.
The antidote to summer malaise is maintaining a list of resources and strategies you can refer to and use each and every day. These simple activities will help you feel relaxed and happy. In addition, using your creativity and energy doing novel activities maximizes your brain health and emotional wellbeing. Of course, if you continue to be anxious or depressed, seeing an experienced therapist can help you move forward.
Here are the rules when using the list:
• Choose the things that are fun for you
• Be creative
• Do only those activities that truly resonate with you
• Be kind and pace yourself. Some days maybe just take a nap, or go to a movie with a friend, or by yourself
• Spend time with positive people who can uplift and inspire you
1. Start an herb garden.
2. Clean. Put on some music and clean the kitchen, living room – any room.
3. Do the laundry.
4. Learn to knit.
5. Take piano lessons
6. Read a good book.
7. DIY a beautiful mosaic mirror or vase.
9. Declutter your home.
10. Organize your closets, so you can find things easier and faster.
11. Print out some photos from your phone and make a photo album.
12. Learn to draw or paint.
13. Write a card and send it to someone you love. It will make both of you happy!
14. Get a manicure or pedicure.
15. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
16. Fix old clothes.
17. Dance! Put on some music and go!
18.Take the Palm Springs tram to the top of the mountain and have lunch or hike.
20. Do some yoga.
21. Go to the gym. Good for the body, great for your mental health.
22. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for. Proven to increase long-term happiness and to reduce stress, this habit will keep you in a positive state of mind. Name as many things as you can!
23. Learn a new language.
24. Make a Bucket list of all the things you want to see, create and experience during your lifetime.
25. Declutter your computer and phone. Delete pictures, videos, music, files and apps you don’t really use.
26. Go to Big Bear or Idyllwild for the weekend and cool off.
27. Take a course online, in something you actually want to learn.
28. Volunteer. Find things you can do in your local community and go for it!
29. Clean your desk.
30. Go to an art museum.
If you’re still having difficulty managing your life and emotions during this extremely hot summer, maybe you would like to talk to me to learn how to improve your negative thoughts and behaviors, and to find relief for your painful emotions. Please call for a free 15 minute consultation (760) 642-1678 to find if talk therapy might be an option for you.
