…the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.
Sylvia Plath
The sun’s out.
The birds are singing.
The smell of BBQ is wafting through the air.
Everyone loves the summertime!
Don’t they?
If you’re someone who experiences seasonal depression during the summer time (AKA the “summer blues”), then you know it’s not quite that simple.
And while the summer blues (like any form of depression) is best diagnosed by a professional, it’s wise to be on the lookout for potential signs you might be experiencing it.
Read on for 5 signs you could be experiencing the summer blues:
1. You’re feeling irritable.
From BBQs to pool days to long holiday weekends, summer’s packed with reasons to be happy… right? Not for everyone. Summer also brings with it heat, humidity, mosquitoes… and while these factors might sound mundane, if you’re experiencing seasonal mood changes, they can heighten your already elevated feeling of irritation.
Beat the summer blues:
Take the edge off your irritability by staying hydrated with water, and cooling off as needed in the shade or the shower.
2. Your sleep and appetite are “off”.
For many of us, summer represents substantial changes to our daily routines. The days are longer, the kids are out of school… and “break” or not, all that flexibility can start to wear on you if you’re already experiencing the summer blues. For instance, you might notice that your eating has become less predictable, or you’re not sleeping as soundly as usual.
Beat the summer blues:
Create a self-imposed structure for your week. Try to stick to a set schedule for waking, bedtime, and meals. Track your habits on your phone or in a journal to help solidify your new routine and identify any patterns that may be emerging.
3. You feel exhausted.
Summer brings plenty of opportunities to get out in the sun, be active, and soak up lots of vitamin D. But, if you’re noticing that the time spent outside only leads to feeling drained and depleted, it could be a sign of the summer blues.
Beat the summer blues:
Regulate your sun exposure by planning time-limited activities outdoors and wearing sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses when you do go out.
4. You feel let down.
Your neighbors’ new boat. Your friends’ exciting vacation. Your coworker’s tales of cheerful family gatherings. Perhaps more than any other time of year, summer brings with it ample opportunities for envy and that nagging “fear of missing out”. While this alone won’t cause the summer blues, it certainly doesn’t help.
Beat the summer blues:
Take a few minutes each day to practice gratitude and bring more contentment to your daily life.
5. You feel overwhelmed.
From family trips to graduation parties to kids’ camps, play dates, and other activities, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed during the summertime. And while it’s never a good idea to let the commitments in your calendar pile up, when you’re experiencing the summer blues, overwhelm can be especially unhelpful.
Beat the summer blues:
Simplify, simplify, simplify. Sit down with your calendar (and whomever else helps create the calendar) and get real about what you can actually handle this summer. Practice the vital skill of saying “No” and reclaim some of the calendar space (and headspace) you’ve lost.
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
In Our Nature: 3 Ways to Revisit This Emotional Wellness Resource
Sadness vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?
Seasonal Depression Treatment
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