I don’t know about you but after a long winter and hibernation, we all look forward to the sunshine and warmer weather, especially us in the northern hemisphere! But summer isn’t just about patios, tan lines, vacation and cottage selfies—it’s a great chance to press pause, take inventory of where you are at, and to also reconnect with what (and who) matters most to you. After a long, stressful winter (emotionally or maybe even literally), it’s time to breathe again. This doesn’t mean that you need a full-blown vacation to reset your mental health. In fact, the key to a mental health reset is being intentional and making space for yourself, at this moment, wherever you are.

So let’s talk about how to use the sunshine season to your advantage and how to step into your best self—inside and out. Here are some best practices that have worked for me.

Get Outside and Walk It Out

There’s something magical about feeling that warm air on your skin and your feet hitting the pavement or even the grass. Walking isn’t just exercise—it’s therapy. Don’t believe me? Hear me out … according to a study from Stanford University, walking in nature actually reduces rumination (like constantly replaying that cringe moment or pining for the one that got away), which is a key factor in depression and anxiety for many of us. (source)

It doesn’t have to be a marathon walk, you just need to start with 10 minutes a day then move up to 20, 30 or more when you’re ready. No fancy workout gear needed, just some comfortable shoes. Once around your block, through a park, down a forest path or explore a new neighborhood – there is no limit once you start. Bring music, a podcast, or just your thoughts. Let your mind wander by people or plant watching. Let go of what’s weighing you down, step by step.

This isn’t about “getting fit.” It’s about getting free.

Reconnect With Nature (And With Yourself)

You don’t have to become a wilderness goddess to enjoy the benefits of nature. Whether it’s planting herbs on your balcony or stretching in the grass at your local park, nature time matters. Studies show spending just two hours a week in nature significantly improves well-being. (source) A week has 168 hours, we can all find two hours out of our week to do this.

Nature grounds us. It reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. It reminds us that we’re allowed to grow slowly, bend when needed, and bloom again—even if we’ve been through many raging storms (or even little ones). Look at all the phases trees go through, they shed their leaves and then regenerate in the summer.

This is your permission to barefoot in the grass. Let the sun kiss your skin. Watch clouds like you used to when life felt simpler. You deserve the peace it will bring you, even if it’s just for a moment in time.

Make Space for Real Connection

Summer seems to bring people out of hiding and hibernation. It’s the perfect time to reconnect or realign, even to meet new people. Reach out to those friends or family members that you’ve drifted from (not including old flames). Sometimes, all it takes is one “Hey, want to grab an iced coffee and catch up?” to rebuild a bridge. Go to social events or meetup gatherings.

Did you know that loneliness is a silent mental health killer. In Canada (according to Statistics Canada), 13% of people aged 15 and older report feeling lonely often or always, with numbers rising to 17% among youth aged 15 to 24. Loneliness is even more common among LGBTQ2+ individuals (27%) and those with disabilities or long-term conditions (20%), highlighting the need for meaningful social connection. A 2023 survey by the American Psychiatric Association found that nearly 30% of adults feel lonely often or always. (source) All over the world, this is the case in varying degrees. That’s a whole lot of loneliness.

But here’s the truth: the right people won’t think it’s “weird” if you randomly reach out or try to make connections. They’ll be glad you did. And if they don’t respond? That’s your sign to keep creating space for new energy. Go out and make new friends with common interests.

Let the season help you shed relationships that drain you or even those that don’t reciprocate and make room for ones that empower you. I always say – choose those who choose you.

Create Summer Self-Care Rituals

Don’t let self-care become another checkbox or something you’ll get to when you have time. Make it your own and make it a reality. It’s not just a bubble bath or spa visit, there are so many ways to self-care, for example:

• Morning iced matcha or coffee and journal time on the porch or balcony
• A weekly sunset walk
• A tech-free hour a day just for YOU
• Creating a “Summer Feels” music playlist to lift your mood
• Taking a nap

Rituals remind your brain and body that you’re safe, supported, and loved—especially by you. They anchor you through chaos and bring you back to center.

This is your time to ask: What do I need more of? Then make that your ritual. No guilt. No pressure.

Use the Season to Reset With Intention

Summer won’t fix your life. But it will give you breathing room to shift it and forge a healthier path towards your goals and aspirations.

Now’s the time to ask yourself:

• What needs to change?
• What’s been feeling heavy?
• Who am I becoming?

You don’t have to wait for any specific time to restart or make a change. Let the warmer weather remind you that growth doesn’t have to hurt or be difficult—it can feel easy, light, nourishing, as well as aligned.

Final Word: Your Peace Is a Priority

You’re allowed to pause. Give yourself permission to disconnect from the noise. To choose better for yourself. This summer, let go of surviving and lean into thriving – as cheesy as it sounds, it’s so important. Walking outside, connecting with nature, nurturing relationships, and creating soul-affirming rituals aren’t luxuries—they’re going to become your lifelines.

So go ahead, press your reset button. Because when you start showing up for yourself like you matter, everything in your life begins to shift, everything. Believe that you deserve it.

And remember, none of this has to be perfect. You just need to take the time.

Keep moving, don’t ever give up, because your journey isn’t over.
Keep moving forward—one step, one deep breath,
one honest moment at a time.

One.Step.At.A.Time.

Suzie

For more inspiration and practical advice follow me @PowerCoachSuzie on all social media platforms!