When summertime comes around, we seem to check our responsibilities and healthy habits at the door. Transitioning into summer is not something everyone thinks about, it is usually the transition from summer to fall that is always on our mind. However, how we plan to move in to summer can be very important to our mental health for both adults and children. Some healthy ways to transition into summer include setting goals, deciding how to spend all the free time we have productively, and how to keep our children active and their skills sharp.

Goals are something that we should constantly be setting for ourselves, they help us move forward and give us something to aim for. For some, summer is a time to let go of the healthy eating habits we have formed and pick up some bad ones. It is good to keep in mind that there are some delicious refreshing fruits and vegetables that are in season that you can treat yourself to in addition to that ice cream cone from your local Stewart’s.

  • Fruits and vegetables that are in season for July: Brussels sprouts, celery, chili peppers, grapes, guava, melons, pears, persimmons, pineapple, and summer squash.
  • Fruits and vegetables that are in season for August: Asparagus, Avocados, Basil, Green Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Pepper, Grapefruit, Lemons, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melon, Mushroom, Nectarines, Okra, Passion Fruit, Peaches, Pears, Asian Pears, Black-eyed Peas, Peppers, Plums, Raspberries, Spinach, Summer Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes and Turnips.

When we think of summer we think of taking a break from the hustle and bustle. However, is having too much free time a good thing or a bad thing? To some not constantly having a plan or an activity to do is a bad thing. Some like to be constantly on the go, but for others leisure time is the best time. Whichever way you enjoy spending your time is perfectly fine as long as you find a balance. Sometimes having too much leisure time can lead to boredom or sadness, but having too many plans can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. It is good to stay active like riding your bike, or taking a stroll on your local rail trail. Whether you’re doing laps or simply treading water, swimming is a great way to catch some sun rays as well as a great way to stay active. For those who prefer more leisure activities journaling or reading a book at your local park or right in your back yard is a nice relaxing way to get out of the house and into the sun.

Transitioning into summer is especially important for children. Children love summer because they have a break from school and a break from certain responsibilities. It is good to keep children on a schedule even though summer time is more relaxed. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time helps our bodies and minds function at a healthier rate. Even though summer is sometimes deemed as an unproductive time it does not necessarily have to be. These months can be used as a time to sharpen certain skills with workbooks, activities, and summer reading projects. Check out your local library for some summer reading materials, and activities for the summer. Some local libraries have events every day and usually have a calendar of events on their website. There are a ton of fun and educational museums, and other activities to do throughout New York State feel free to check out https://www.iloveny.com/ to get some great ideas for you and your family. In the capital region, there are many different activities to do, below are just a few museums:

  • Children’s Museum at Saratoga: 518-584-5540
  • Children’s Museum of Science and Technology: 518-235-2120
  • MiSci, Museum of Innovation and Science: 518-382-7890