Four Ways to Manage Your Anxiety This Summer
As summer approaches it can bring a lot of excitement! Warmer weather, longer days, vacations...I know I can’t wait! However, I also understand the stress that may be coming up at this time. Summer doesn’t pause work, obligations, and well- life. I totally get it. Here are four realistic strategies from a Los Angeles therapist to help manage your anxiety this summer.
1. Make a summer bucket list
I don’t know about you, but there have been countless summers where I am so excited to go to the beach, spend time with friends, take a road trip, the list goes on… to find myself at the end of summer wishing I had taken the time to do those things I wanted to do- hello anxiety. I get it, time slips away from us! Setting intentions of how you want to feel this summer and how you want to spend your time can help you in making those plans from a mindful and aligned place.
2. Don’t forget your goals
I totally relate that sometimes things can swing the other way where you spend all summer jam packed with fun trips, late nights, etc. and end up feeling like you didn’t get anything productive done for yourself! Keep your other goals in mind and take small steps regularly to work towards them. For example, keeping up with work obligations so you can work toward that promotion next cycle or regular savings to move at the end of the year. Small steps lead to big change!
3. Continue your self care
Keep doing what’s working. If daily walks and meditation are your thing for managing anxiety, keep it up. If strength training 3x/week and brunch on the weekend with friends keeps you going- don’t stop. Finding what works for you in managing your stress and anxiety is imperative. Summer plans might shake things up, but remember you can always get back to your self care routine.
4. Set boundaries
With summer coming, that might mean more social invites and fun (yay!), but this might also push on your limits. Boundaries can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and time related. Setting boundaries within each of these areas this summer can help manage your anxiety and curb any people pleasing tendencies. Setting boundaries helps you say “no” to the asks that don’t make sense for you, and “yes” to the ones that are aligned with your values. This might look like turning down the weekend trip to the lake because of the price tag, and opting to spend some time at the beach with a friend that weekend instead.
I hope these strategies help you manage your anxiety and live this summer up to the fullest! If you or a loved one are seeking further support, Authentic LA Therapy can help. As a Los Angeles therapist, I support my clients to learn and incorporate these coping skills into their regular routine.