Summer arrives with a promise of longer days, warmer weather, and the freedom of looser schedules. Yet for many families in our community, this season also brings challenges. School routines disappear, temperatures climb, and the very freedom that defines summer can feel overwhelming.
At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), our counselors and social workers understand that wellness requires seasonal adaptation. This summer, our Faye Manger Counseling Department offers guidance for maintaining emotional balance and physical well-being during these warmer months.
The Foundation of Summer Wellness: Our mental health professionals emphasize the close connection between physical and emotional wellness—especially in the summer heat. Dehydration, for example, can show up as irritability, confusion, or fatigue—symptoms often mistaken for emotional struggles. Staying hydrated becomes essential for both mood stability and cognitive clarity.
Another priority during summer is maintaining nutritious eating habits amid shifting routines. Families facing food insecurity often find summer more difficult, as children miss the meals provided by school. Through our Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program, JFCS supports families year-round, recognizing that meeting basic needs is fundamental to emotional well-being.
Adapting to Summer’s Rhythm: One of the most common themes in our summer counseling sessions is navigating the disruption of routine. Children and teens who rely on structure may struggle with long, unstructured days, while parents may find it hard to manage increased family time and changing behaviors.
Our clinical team helps families create flexible summer rhythms that embrace the season’s spontaneity while still offering predictability. Establishing new morning routines, regular mealtimes, or consistent sleep schedules—even as daylight stretches longer—can help restore balance.
For older adults, summer poses its own challenges. Rising temperatures can worsen chronic conditions and reduce opportunities for outdoor activity, often increasing isolation. Our counselors support clients in developing safe ways to stay active and connected.
Movement and Mental Health: Physical activity remains a powerful tool for emotional wellness, and summer presents unique ways to stay active. In therapy sessions, we often discuss gentle movement like evening walks, swimming, or yoga in shaded spaces—activities that can ease anxiety and lift mood without adding pressure.
Our counselors work with clients to set realistic movement goals tailored to their lifestyle. The aim isn’t rigorous exercise but rather incorporating physical activity in ways that feel sustainable and enjoyable.
The Power of Connection: Summer’s most therapeutic gift may be the opportunity to strengthen relationships. Meaningful connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Whether it’s a neighborhood barbecue, a community event, or simply dining together outside, shared moments offer emotional nourishment.
For children and teens, summer programs and camps are more than entertainment. These experiences build social skills, resilience, and lasting memories. We help families identify options that match a child’s interests and comfort level—whether it’s a traditional day camp, a themed activity program, or a smaller, supportive environment.
Recognizing When to Seek Support: While summer might seem like a natural break from therapy, our clinical team often recommends continuing—or beginning—counseling during this time. We commonly support clients navigating:
- Increased family tension due to more time together
- Anxiety about upcoming school transitions
- Depression linked to unstructured time
- Children’s changing behaviors
- Caregiver stress heightened by school breaks
Adults with seasonal jobs—like teachers or school staff—may also experience emotional strain during summer, whether due to income changes, lack of structure, or personal stress. Far from being a time to pause therapy, summer offers space for reflection, healing, and preparing for the months ahead.
A Season of Intentional Wellness: While the dark winter months are commonly associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, emotional challenges aren’t limited to one season. Mental wellness is a year-round commitment. Just as we don’t stop taking vitamins or medications in the summer, we shouldn’t put our emotional care on hold either.
Summer invites us to embrace a new pace while remaining mindful of our needs. At JFCS, we believe seeking support is an act of self-awareness, not weakness. Whether you’re facing parenting struggles, teen transitions, or seasonal stress, our counselors are here with compassionate, professional guidance tailored to your family’s needs.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from support, we’re here to help. Consider individual counseling or joining one of our support groups—especially if you’re a caregiver, coping with grief, or feeling disconnected. To take a step toward emotional wellness, contact us at counselingintake@jfedsnj.org or (856) 424-1333.
This summer, may you find a healthy balance between rest and engagement, solitude and connection—so you and your family can truly thrive.
