I know most everybody thinks that the winter holidays are the most depressing time of year, but it’s not true. More suicides happen from the end of spring through the mid-summer than any other part of the year — and we don’t know why.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith
Dr. Barton Goldsmith is a psychotherapist. Email him at Barton@bartongoldsmith.com.
1. Electronic babysitters should be fired. Letting the kids watch television, play video games or hang out on the internet is not the answer. Get your kids and yourself involved with other real live humans.
2. Lemonade stands, garage sales, or car washes are great activities that bring the family together and perhaps bring in some extra cash. These activities are fun and teach your kids the value of money.
3. Dr. Bernie Siegel’s book "Love, Magic and Mudpies is full of ideas for family fun. Siegel has helped millions of people get more out of life.
4. If you can’t afford to travel right now, try having a vacation in your own town. Spend time with those you love in your own backyard, at a local park or on the school playground. Many cities have community pools, and the YMCA has tons of summer activities for kids of all ages.
5. Spend some time volunteering. Giving back to the community will make you feel better about yourself, and the whole family can join in. Check with your local United Way to find opportunities.
6. If you’re at work, make sure you get outside at least twice a day, and not just when you’re on the way to and from the office. Sunlight is healing, and it lifts your mood, but just seeing it from inside an air-conditioned space won’t give you the full benefit.
7. Keep up your routines. If you stop exercising or go off your diet for the summer, you may lose what you’ve accomplished. It’s also harder to get back into good habits if you take months off.
8. Come home early at least one night a week to enjoy a meal with your family and have a little extra relaxation time. You don’t have to do or cook anything special; this time is about being together.
9. Make a plan to invite over some old friends if you haven’t seen them in a while, or spend some time with new friends so you can get to know them better.
10. As soon as you get back from a vacation, start planning the next one, even if you can’t leave town anytime soon. It’s fun for the whole family, and we all need something to look forward to.
— Barton Goldsmith
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