"Summer time and the livin’ is easy…”
Gerald Lewis, Ph.D.

Finally, the winter snow has disappeared, the spring rain has stopped and the summer sun is out. The flowers are in bloom and the daylight stretches into the evening hours. School days are winding down and vacation plans are around the corner. Pools, parks and playgrounds abound with people and their pets. So why do we feel any stress?

We must remember that our lives still go on and have much of the same day-to-day stress regardless of the seasonal changes. Further, there is a natural tendency to try to slow down a bit during the summer months and to “smell the roses.” However, much stands in the way of these efforts, such as: Little league or soccer may become a regular evening activity that takes the place of dinnertime and down time. The summer may be a time when the kids are at home requiring Herculean efforts at planning and time management. Or, some kids may be getting ready to go off to camp with all of the added organizing and expense that entails. Vacation plans are looming with the planning, preparation and expense that is involved. Coworkers are taking their vacations and people may have to pitch in on extra job duties. The weather may be a mixed blessing with allergies and air conditioning, humidity and haze, bugs and burns. And, let’s not forget how easy it is to take a day-trip anywhere with the traffic and crowding.

The goal of the above comments is not to stress us or depress us further, but to be a reminder that we must take care of our internal weather conditions (stress) regardless of what is happening outside. Here are some recommendations:

1. Use the evening hours to go for a walk while light remains.
2. If you are planning a vacation, be sure to leave some down-time at home as a part of it. Don’t return from your vacation on Sunday and head directly to work on Monday.
3. Take lunch breaks and go outside for a 15 minute walk.
4. Try to limit traveling as the traffic can diminish much of the pleasure of a day trip. Go to local parks and beaches.
5.  Take an adult education course at the local high school… something novel and different (i.e. guitar lessons, art class, yoga, Spanish, etc.).
6. In the middle of a hot spell… remember how cold it was this winter.
7. Have flowers and/or plants in your house/apartment.
8. When out on your deck or in your yard, use a fan as it helps to keep the mosquitoes away.
9. Try to watch less tv (its all repeats) and read some books or magazines while on your deck, balcony, or in your yard.