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| SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
Mental Health
is one of the factors that allows us to weather the
ups and downs of our lives
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK IMAGES)
By Cori Urban
sociated with a higher mood, the same effects were not seen “Good mental health is one in the summer, and hotter of the factors that allows us to weather was associated with lower mood. As a result, it’s weather the ups and downs of our lives” — no matter the important to temper expectations with reality.” season, said Dr. Kate McInIt’s ok not to love the sumtosh, Vice President and Chief mer. Some people really love Medical Officer for Health the heat and the humidity, New England. “When we have good mental health, we are more able to tolerate change, stress and the unexpected twists and turns that come our way.” A change in season — from winter to spring or spring to summer, for example — can make some people rejoice and want to get outside more, while for others, the same change of season sends them indoors. Individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) will often feel a significant improvement as the sunshine returns after a dark winter. For the rest of us, however, but for those who don’t favor the emotional impact of sum- summer and dislike heat, she mer is not so straightforward. suggests they do whatever “We expect to feel better makes them comfortable, in the summer,” continued whether that is staying indoors or being outdoors. McIntosh. “It’s clear that summer weather, including “Exposure to sunlight is sunshine, can affect the levels thought to increase the brain’s of certain chemicals in our release of a neurotransmitter brains, such as serotonin and called serotonin. Serotonin melatonin. However, the diis associated with boosting rect link between weather and mood and helping a person mood is small and sometimes feel calm and focused,” said surprising. Some studies have the doctor whose specialty is found that, although pleasant Pediatrics. Sunlight does also weather in the spring was as- impact our tiredness. “Longer Special To The Republican
days may tempt us to stay up later, but loss of sleep can worsen mental health, so it’s important to be sure to get enough sleep.” Heading into summer, it’s also important to realize that summer foods and increased opportunities for socializing can play a role in one’s mood;
most people, connection with other people is more important than eating, sleeping, or other “wellness” exercises, when it comes to improving mental well-being: “Emphasize human interaction, in person, as much as possible. In-person time is more effective than on-line interaction
enhance well-being and be having a sense of mission and carried into the fall and bepurpose in life is linked, not yond. McIntosh recommends: only to a sense of connection and satisfaction, but also Connect with to healthier immune cells. supportive people Volunteering or caregiving for Try to connect with the peo- others also helps people feel less lonely. ple who make you smile and with whom you feel comfortable. Plan a night out, a night Get some sunshine Spring can be rainy, but when the sun does shine, the brightness can give us a mental lift. Try to get outside, even for a few minutes, when the sun is out.
“Warm weather allows for increased outdoor activities, which, again, can positively impact your mood. Individuals can participate in their health plan’s wellness benefits, which may offer incentives for exercise, farmers markets, farm shares, etc.”
Dr. Kate McIntosh - Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Health New England
healthy eating no matter what season or time of year should be a priority. “Warm weather allows for increased outdoor activities, which, again, can positively impact your mood. Individuals can participate in their health plan’s wellness benefits, which may offer incentives for exercise, farmers markets, farm shares, etc.,” McIntosh pointed out. Healthy summer foods can often be found at food pantries too. McIntosh also noted that for
for mental health improvement. We see a lot of writing about ‘finding a purpose’ but if that seems over-whelming, look for opportunities to help others in small ways.” Helping others makes us happy, whether it’s helping to cook at a barbeque, or taking food to a food pantry. Even small things like calling to check in on someone can have a positive impact on our own mental health. So there are numerous summertime habits that can
in playing cards or games, or some other social interaction.
Find social balance and activities. Everyone needs different amounts of social interaction. Pay attention to what balance works best for you.
Look for ways to help other people, both large and small.
Helping others improves your health. The National Institute on Aging has supported research that shows
Maintain your sleep patterns Getting enough sleep has a huge effect on your mental health.
Tend to your physical health There is a proven connection between exercise and better mental health. Yoga, dancing or even just going up and down the stairs are great examples of indoor exercise. As it warms up, you can walk outside. But no matter the activity, McIntosh emphasizes that whatever a person chooses to do should be done in moderation and provide an appropriate level of comfort.
For more information, go to healthnewengland.org