Summer In Coronado ... It's Good For Your Mental Health

Summer is red, white and blue, vacations, beaches, BBQ, family and friends. It’s the quintessential time in America where life feels footloose and fancy-free. As a community, Coronado embraces and embodies everything that is an American summer, on island timeand all wrapped in a beach breeze. We know how to relax and unwind. At the same time, our summer festivities like Fourth of July and Concerts in the Park evoke pride, community and tradition. It is truly something special!

Yet for many, summer means something entirely different: transition. This is because summer is the season of moving, especially for the military. Since kids are out of school, it is the perfect time to make a transition and start fresh without the added pressure of education. These moves, often across the country - or even across oceanscreate uncertainty, stress and chaos. Families must say good-bye to what they know, pack up and start fresh in a new place. On the flip side, those who are not moving must say fond farewells and adjust to missing friends. For these families, summer goes from fun and free to frazzled and frantic. The goodbyes to what is known, are often as hard as the hellos to something that is new. This year, Coronado seems to be experiencing an above average year of moves. Many people, even those not moving, are feeling the effects of these transitions.

Fortunately, Coronado is a community that is intimately aware of the effects of transitions and is well-versed in the nuances of change that moves bring. Coronado is a community rooted in resilience and is ready to embrace those new to the town and help them discover just how special Coronado is. Our unique summer pastimes and traditions are one way to create the perfect opportunity for bridging the gap between old and new and a way to relax and de-stress.

Some ways to help ease the transitions are to partake in, and embrace all that summer in Coronado has to offer. Our community excels in providing ways to relax and unwind for new and existing residents alike. Connecting with nature by taking a simple beach walk or circumnavigating the island on your bike is a sure way to de-stress. For some, a day on the golf course or a day sailing on the bay provides relaxing recreation.

If nature isn’t your thing, retail therapy abounds along Orange Avenue at the unique shops and boutiques. Besides this, foodies love all of the scrumptious dining options in town. My favorite way to relax in Coronado is a simple beach day with toes in the sand followed by a delicious pizza from High Tide, washed down with an ice cream cone from MooTime. Whatever it is that you enjoy, taking time during transitions to partake in these simple pleasures can go a long way in managing stress.

Though Coronado excels in relaxation, it is also home to many exciting and fun traditions that make our summer extra-special and provide the perfect opportunity for building connection and community.

Our recurring Concertsin-the-Park and music at the Ferry Landing are a great way to meet and connect with new people. The Coronado Library offers fantastic programming and the story time for toddlers is a local favorite. Coronado’s parks and recreation programs are unmatched, with fun camps and adventures like surf camp and the Junior Lifeguard program. The granddaddy of them all is our Fourth of July Parade. All of these events allow Coronadans to come together, celebrate the community, connect and engage with each other. This the best part of Coronado.

As summer progresses and we see many new faces around town, remember that some are in a stressful transition and we are more resilient together. Extend an Invite. Say hello. Slow down. Take time to relax with all that Coronado has to offer during this magical time of the year. If there is one thing that is true, it is that life is better together - and it is even better in Coronado.

Safe Harbor Coronado provides comprehensive mental health services to youth and families in Coronado. Through a range of programs and counseling services, Safe Harbor Coronado empowers individuals to build resilience and emotional well-being while fostering a stigma-free environment for help-seeking behaviors. Safe Harbor’s programs are available to all members of the Coronado community, regardless of financial means. For more information about Safe Harbor Coronado, their programs and services, visit www.safeharborcoronado.org.