By: Ruth M. García, Social Worker and Health Programs Supervisor at Triple-S
Summer is one of the most awaited seasons. This is the season when our planet receives the most sunlight. Summer brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and a lively atmosphere. Summertime is synonymous with vitality, fun, and an energy boost. It is the ideal time of the year to enjoy activities like traveling, enjoying the weather, spending time outdoors with friends, doing individual activities, and more—all of these benefits affect not only our mental health but also our emotional and physical well-being.
Physical and emotional benefits of summertime:
- Summer weather sparks an interest in physical activities. It also encourages people to drink more water and eat cooler foods because of the higher temperatures.
- Drinking water increases serotonin, a hormone linked to feelings of well-being. The high temperatures cause the body to sweat, helping to eliminate toxins from the skin.
- Vitamin D is easy to get throughout the summer. While vitamin D can be obtained from food, sunlight during this season also helps. Just remember always to use sunscreen to avoid sunburn and other related issues. As vitamin D levels in our bodies increase, our mood improves, and we feel less stressed and anxious.
Benefits of staying socially connected during the summer:
- Free time during the summer months helps us disconnect from daily worries and focus on activities we enjoy, which promote relaxation and mental well-being.
- It opens up opportunities to make new connections through recreational activities, social events, or travel.
- Relationships also strengthen, as it is an ideal time to connect with friends, family, and partners through shared activities and conversations.
- Maintaining social connections helps safeguard our health, easing the effects of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Positive social interactions are closely tied to happiness and can reduce loneliness, leading to a more enjoyable and rewarding summer.
Activity ideas to enjoy with family and friends:
Activities for kids
- Meet the Puerto Rican Parrot at El Yunque – El Portal de El Yunque visitor center in Río Grande
- Get your adrenaline pumping with go-kart racing, bowling, and arcade games – Sector Sixty 6 in Canóvanas
- Learn about marine life and space – Museo del Niño (Children’s Museum) in Carolina
- Make a splash at the largest water park in the Caribbean – Las Cascadas Water Park in Aguadilla
- Challenge your physical strength, climbing or ziplining – TOROVERDE Urban Park at T-Mobile District in San Juan
- Unplug and spend a quiet weekend surrounded by mountains – Finca Bee Happy in Dorado
Activities for youth and adults
- Experience El Monstruo, America’s longest zip line, and other thrills – ToroVerde Adventure Park in Orocovis
- Night kayaking at a bioluminescent bay – Laguna Grande in Fajardo
- Experience theater and live comedy – Teatro Breve in San Juan
- Public beach areas all around Puerto Rico
- Hiking Trails – El Yunque, Río Grande
- Outdoor Yoga – Ocean Park, Luis Muñoz Rivera Park, La Parguera, San Juan, and Lajas
- Horseback riding on the beach – Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina
- Outdoor dance classes – Parque Central in San Juan
Activities for older adults
- Summer Camp for San Juan Seniors in San Juan
- Creative art workshops for painting, drawing, and sculpting – Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) in San Juan
- Outdoor gym for older adults in Guaynabo
- Various hiking trails, peaceful meditation areas, and nature observation spaces – Botanical Garden in Caguas
- Guided tours including mangrove walks, visits to Los Lirios beach and the Fajardo Lighthouse – Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve in Fajardo
Summertime is yours to enjoy, so make plans that fit your priorities and budget. At Triple-S, we are committed to helping you. Remember that you can access this blog and Tele/Consejo 24/7, with psychologists available anytime, anywhere through TeleConsultaMD on your mobile phone.