With summer in full swing and plenty of sunny days still to look forward to, your diaries are probably filled with activities. But though it’s the season of pub garden jaunts and wedding parties, it’s still important to take time for yourself.
Taking a dedicated day for oneself, especially in summer, provides an incredible boost to your mental health.
Whether it’s connecting with nature, the Berkshire community, or simply dedicating some time to recharge, there are plenty of ways to prioritise your wellbeing in Berkshire.
Keep reading for a series of easy, uplifting ideas for mental health days in our wonderful county that will leave you feeling refreshed.
Why Summer Mental Health Days Matter
While it’s important to maintain our mental health all year round, summer in the UK offers various seasonal benefits. The longer days and milder temperatures mean us brits can spend more time outdoors, soaking up the natural world and engaging in our favourite activities.
Summertime in Berkshire is the perfect backdrop for these mood-boosting mental health days, with countless parks, rivers, and quaint villages to explore.
Remember, you don’t have to have to pack your calendar full of mental health days, even one intentional day can reset your stress levels and do wonders for your mood. Over time, these small wins will make the world of difference.
Idea 1: Calming Riverside Strolls
Riverside walks are beneficial for our mental health in more ways than one. The positive effects of exercise, combined with the soothing qualities of water and surrounding nature can be an incredible way to boost your mood.
With waterways such as the Thames and River Kennet flowing through our county, Berkshire residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to peaceful riverside walks.
One popular option is to take the Thames Path National Trail between Windsor and Marlow.
This picturesque stretch offers varied scenery, from the wooded slopes of Cookham to the open countryside surrounding Eton College.
With plenty of picnic spots along the way, this route is the perfect place for sitting with your favourite snack and snatching a moment of much needed calm.
For those located near Reading, the River Kennet circular route is an easy walk. Taking just one hour to complete, it’s a great option for those keen to get their fix of the natural
World without travelling too far. Starting from the town centre, you’ll follow the Kennet as it joins the Avon canal, passing through historic areas and tranquil open spaces.
Idea 2: Countryside Picnics and Mindfulness
The simple joys of a countryside picnic can never be overstated, especially when you’re lucky enough to live in a beautiful county such as Berkshire.
Alfresco dining, especially when surrounded by nature, has been shown to offer many mental health benefits, including stress reduction, better concentration, and mood enhancement.
You don’t have to go all-out to reap the rewards of a countryside picnic, a simple set up is all you need! Grab a blanket, some snacks, and a book or music playlist, and head to one of Berkshire’s green spaces.
Popular spots include Dinton Pastures, California Country Park, or rural Finchampstead. Another honourable mention is Lily Hill Park in Bracknell, a unique spot home to a very long picnic table for those who’d rather have a seated lunch.
There are tranquil woods to explore, an amphitheatre and plenty of open space. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its hidden nooks and peaceful corners.
Idea 3: Creative Afternoons
Creative outlets such as sketching, crafting, and journaling are popular activities for good reason. Not only have these hobbies been shown to reduce feelings of stress, but they can also help us process difficult emotions.
If you’re craving a creative activity, why not make a day of it this summer?
Berkshire has plenty of charming independent cafes that provide the perfect space to start a sketch, craft postcards for family, or edit some photos of your summertime memories.
If you’re struggling with feelings of stress or anxiety, artistic activities can helo you confront these feelings in a positive way.
Plus, you’ll be getting a break from screens, answering emails, and the constant hum of your social media feed. After a day well spent unlocking your inner creativity, your mental health will thank you.
Idea 4: Quiet Nature Escapes
Spending time in nature doesn’t have to mean seeking out the most rural areas of Berkshire. Part of the beauty of our county is its array of urban parks, villages, and lesser-known green spaces.
Spending as little as an hour or two surrounded by trees or greenery can do wonders for our mental health, especially during balmy summer days.
Many people find comfort in spending peaceful moments on a bench in their local park, or standing mindfully beneath a canopy of trees, listening to the rustling of the leaves.
No matter where you are in Berkshire this summer, there are plenty of gardens, National Trust grounds, and tree-shaded village lanes to explore.
With their half-timbered houses and idyllic village greens, Sonning, Bray, and Littlewick Green are popular choices for picnics. You could even grab a pastry from the local bakery before enjoying a canal-side walk.
If you’d rather interact with the community while exploring nature, the Wokingham Ramblers offers 16 guided walks across the borough.
This friendly group has 50 volunteers who will help lead and support the walks, with new members guaranteed a warm welcome when joining up with one of their walks.
Idea 5: Practicing Self-Care at Home
We’ve offered plenty of outdoor-centric ideas for your next mental health day in Berkshire, but what if the weather has other plans?
Rainy days and grey skies are all too common during a UK summer, but this doesn’t have to stop you from de-stressing and taking some time for yourself!
These cozy days are the perfect opportunity to practice some much needed self care, and this can look different for everyone. You might prefer to run a relaxing bath with some essential oils, play some calming music, or even practice a quick at-home yoga flow.
You could also take this time to call a loved one, or you might prefer to take a digital detox and remove screen time for a few hours.
Even these simple acts of self care will help improve your mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and leave you feeling refreshed.
Idea 6: Community Connection
Connecting with others can nourish our mood just as much as solo activities. This summer in Berkshire, why not take a community-centric mental health day?
There are countless exercise groups, clubs, and meet-ups to suit every interest.
Some of these gentle community engagements include charity cafe events, book clubs, history walks, and so much more.
For those looking to combine a community activity with exercise, Berkshire’s towns and villages provide plenty of options. From Outdoor Tai Chi to park runs and Pilates classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Choose an Idea and Make it Yours
Summer in Berkshire offers so many gentle ways to press “pause”, from peaceful riverside strolls to cafe-hopping through our beautiful villages. We encourage you to pick one idea, adapt it to your own needs, and make space for your wellbeing.
If you’re struggling with your mental health this summer, it’s important to note that you aren’t alone. From addiction treatment clinics to mental health support groups and alcohol home detox in your local area, there are plenty of ways to get the help you need.
When planning your next mental health day, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay if things don’t go exactly to plan, what’s important is that you prioritise yourself and spend this time doing what makes you happy.
