Feeling Stuck This Summer? Joyful Movement Ideas for the Whole Family - Seasonal Affective Disorder

Feeling stuck inside from the heat? Are your kids getting stir-crazy or feeling sluggish? You're not alone! Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more often tied to the winter months, which brings up cold weather, darker days, and the emotional weight of the holidays, often stirring up feelings of grief or loneliness.

But, Summertime Sadness is a real thing too, and often overlooked! It makes sense right? The days are longer, the heat can be oppressive (especially if you live in Texas like me!) and all the change in routine, whether it's kids at home from school, change in work schedules, or travel plans, it leads the whole family feeling being thrown off. Whether you're a parent trying to keep everyone entertained or just feeling off yourself, you're not imagining it. The summer blues are real, and they deserve care and compassion too.

Moving our bodies and changing scenery can be so good for grounding, mood boosting and resetting. Here are a few ideas to choose from to get you and the whole family moving whether you have a newborn or teenagers home for the Summer!

• Nature walks in the park or on your own street. You can add some more excitement with making it a scavenger hunt, or doing a rainbow walk - looking for of every color of the rainbow

  
  

• Water art with paint brushes in the driveway

  
  

• Popsicles and bubbles outside

  
  

• Family Yoga outside. Wild Life Yoga on Youtube has some great tutorials

  
  

• Family bike rides

  
  

• Swimming

  
  

• Dance parties at home

  
  

• Gardening

  
  

• Cloud watching/identifying

  
  

• Book reading on a blanket outside

  
  

• Water sensory activities. Even without a pool, you can find some great options for ways to incorporate water into activity!

  
  

• Outdoor movie night after the sun goes down. Inside Out is a personal favorite!

  
  

• Water balloon fights

  
  

• A picnic in the park or at home in the yard with a fun snack

Remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated or perfectly planned to make a difference. Small moments of movement, play, or fresh air can go a long way in supporting your mental health and helping your family feel more regulated and connected.

Whether it’s five minutes of bubbles in the backyard or an evening walk around the block, give yourself permission to keep it simple. You're doing enough, and your presence matters more than the activity itself. Cheers to joyful movement!

With Love,

Cristina

#therapyintexas