By Lauren Siegel
Do you ever feel like the fun and chaos of summer has your system all out of whack? More social plans, travel, and fewer routines are fun, don’t get me wrong, but they can also wreak havoc on our physical and emotional systems.
When I think of summer, I think of flying to new vacation spots, indulging in a few extra happy hours, and the occasional ice cream for dinner (just me?). Unfortunately, this period of excitement and reduced routine can also come with some unpleasant side effects – jet lag from travel, abandoned exercise routines, and even a groggy hangover here and there. When our biological systems feel off kilter, our emotional systems suffer too (point in case, the example of feeling “hangry”, meaning hunger causing us to feel more irritable). Sometimes, by the end of the season I’m feeling disoriented and craving some serious structure.
How can we revel in all the fun in the sun, and also keep our physical systems in check? How can we keep our hangry, jet lagged alter egos from rearing their heads as we enjoy a more relaxed pace of life?
How about trying DBT PLEASE skills? PLEASE skills allow us to reduce our emotional vulnerability by taking care of our bodies, giving us a strong foundation for whatever comes our way. Delayed flights? No problem. Frustrating family members? We can handle it. These skills remind us to treat physical illnesses, exercise regularly, avoid substances, and balance our sleep and eating. When these skills are used, our mental well-being improves, and we have a higher tolerance for stressors.
Prioritizing PLEASE skills over the summer doesn’t have to be boring. Let’s take exercise for example. This summer, instead of slogging away inside at the gym while my friends have fun outside, I’m finding ways to get movement that actually feels fun. How about a game of pickleball, a walk in the park before work, or riding bikes along the water?
Let’s think about balanced eating. Summer offers a wide-range of seasonal foods that are fun to play around with. I’m heading to the farmers market to pick up in-season fruits and veggies, and trying new recipes that challenge me in the kitchen. Focusing on fresh ingredients can help fuel our systems, and we can still save room for ice cream.
As we enter the last month of summer, I invite you to consider your own PLEASE skills. How can you have fun and feel good while doing it? Are there small tweaks you can make to your routine to help your biological system work with you? The key is to do what works for YOU and your body. Here’s to a healthier and happi
