When summer hits, the days stretch out, the grills fire up, holiday party invitations start to arrive, and suddenly every weekend seems to revolve around patios, beer gardens, lake days, and gatherings that might feel a little more complicated when you’re in recovery for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or dealing with one or more mental health conditions.
The good news is that your mental health doesn’t have to put summer on hold. In many ways, it can help you feel better than ever. With a little planning, some self-awareness, and the right support, you can have the best summer yet.
This guide offers practical ways to take care of yourself, stay grounded, and make the most of a Wisconsin summer without sacrificing the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve in managing your mental well-being.
Tips for Great Mental Health this Summer
Summer can bring genuine joy, but it may also feel like your routines get thrown into a loop, and some people struggle with loneliness when that stability melts under the summer sun. Fortunately, a few intentional choices that both the National Council for Mental Well-Being and the Suburban Research Associates recommend can go a long way.
- Get Outside
Fresh air and sunshine may help support your mood, and many people find that spending time outdoors helps them feel more connected to the present moment. Sunlight can provide a little extra vitamin D, and being outside can act as a mood booster. - Give Yourself Something New to Look Forward To
Instead of making every summer activity revolve around food or drinking, consider pairing outdoor time with a new hobby or interest, like gardening, paddleboarding, birdwatching, or that hiking trail you’ve been curious about.
And if you’re struggling with anxious thoughts that make it difficult to enjoy new experiences, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that may help you challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build confidence.
- Check in With Yourself Often
Keep taking mental check-ins throughout the season. If an event starts feeling overwhelming or emotionally draining, give yourself permission to adjust your plans. Your mental health may often feel best when you stay honest about how you’re actually feeling rather than how you think you should feel.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help you build skills for managing emotions, staying present, and responding thoughtfully when stress levels begin to rise.
- Choose Connection That Supports Your Recovery
Human beings typically do better when they feel connected to other people. The supportive relationships in your life can play an important role in feeling and benefiting from that connection. Before summer events, consider talking openly with trusted friends and family about your mental-health goals. You might feel relieved by how willing people are to support you once they understand what you need.
If you’d like additional support outside your immediate circle, we offer outpatient treatment options that can help you maintain connection, accountability, and ongoing care while continuing daily responsibilities. - If In Recovery, Have a Plan for Social Gatherings and Bring Your Own Alternatives
Sometimes the hardest part of a summer gathering is turning down a drink. We recommend preparing polite responses ahead of time if someone offers alcohol. You might also bring your own preferred beverage so you don’t have to think about it once you arrive.
It can also help to set a departure time before you arrive. Some gatherings become more challenging as the hours pass, and leaving as soon as you’ve had your fun isn’t rude. It’s your right. Our health library offers free recovery resources that can provide additional strategies for navigating social situations while protecting your recovery.
- Stay Hydrated, Stay Cool, and Keep Moving
Sometimes what feels like emotional discomfort has a physical component too. In the hottest months of the year, dehydration and overheating can contribute to low mood and poorer mental health. Drink as much water as you can, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
And as long as you’re staying hydrated, consider adding movement where you can, whether that’s a walk around the neighborhood, stretching in the morning, or a casual bike ride with a friend. It doesn’t need to be intense, just consistent.
Have an Amazing Wisconsin Summer With Miramont
A great summer is always possible, even if you have to turn down a night at a beer garden, cocktails, or pretending you’re having fun when you’re actually exhausted. Sometimes it looks more like cold water, good company, a reasonable bedtime, and leaving the party before someone starts telling the same story for the fourth time.
As you enjoy the months ahead around Middleton, Waukesha, and the surrounding communities, remember that taking care of your mental health may be one of the best summer activities available. If you need extra support, contact our care teams for additional strategies to protect both your recovery and your well-being, so you can enjoy the season with confidence.
