5 Tips For Fighting End-Of-Summer Sadness

Although often associated with winter and the “winter blues,” seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, can occur during the summer too. Maybe you’re counting down the days until the official start of autumn and daydreaming about a break from the heat. This type of SAD is typically associated with restlessness and short tempers. People experiencing this will often “have trouble sleeping and eating, they lose weight.”

Or maybe the opposite is true. Perhaps the holidays are difficult and the thought of summer coming to a close fills you with dread and general melancholy. Either way, here are some easy life hacks to lift your overall mood.

Enjoy Nature

Get outside – but avoid going out midday during sunlight “peak hours.” If you’re looking to avoid the heat, it’s best to go outside before 10 am and after 4 pm. Whether for a brisk walk or cleaning out your flower beds, a good dose of sunlight, a.k.a. vitamin D, can be incredibly uplifting. Avoiding going outside may be the very thing that worsens your mood. Studies indicate that at least 42% of the population is deficient in vitamin D. Additional benefits of sunlight include “supporting bone health, lowering blood pressure, preventing disease, and promoting good mental health.”

Slow Down 

If you feel like time is racing by and you can’t seem to catch your breath, then embrace living slowly and seasonally. Don’t feel pressured to follow the cue of your local décor stores that have been overtaken with autumn hues and pumpkins (and a sprinkling of Christmas trees already as well). 

Refresh Your Home 

Look around your home. Are there any small changes you can make? If you’re having trouble sleeping, possibly purchase some new black-out curtains. If you’re anxious, deep clean your bathroom, light a candle, and enjoy an Epsom salt bath. Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers. Even organizing your kitchen junk drawer can lift your spirits! Avoiding your to-do list like the plague tends to heighten general anxiety. The key is to check items off one at a time rather than attempting to complete them all at once.

Go Thrifting 

Shop for lightly used “new-to-you” sweaters and scarves that will make you more excited for the upcoming cooler weather. A few new items need not break the bank. Oftentimes thrift stores and local second-hand boutiques will donate a portion of their proceeds to a charity. Sites such as The Thrift Shopper and Yelp can help you research local stores that support causes that resonate with you!

Relish the Moment 

Go to the farmer’s market. Try some fresh produce you’ve never had before. Kidnap your best friend and go for a bike ride or an impromptu picnic. Search for some Saturday yard sales. Find a local swimming hole and take advantage of the remaining warm days. This is your reminder that life is short and if you have extra work leave, it’s okay to use it!

Closing Thoughts

Sometimes we can get caught up in anticipatory anxiety about the future. Perhaps it’s coming too fast or not fast enough, but regardless, it’s good to “stop and smell the coffee.” Even if it is starting to smell a bit more like pumpkin spice instead.

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