We need each other, no matter the season we are in.
Some individuals are what I call “summer people.” They feel the most content and happy when the summer season arrives. For the rest of us, we may feel okay in the summer, but if we are honest with ourselves, it’s not our favorite. In my childhood and teen years, I loved summer because it meant I was out of school and it was time for ice cream, rest, pools, camps, and vacations. But once I started working year-round as an adult, and the work, heat, and humidity started to get under my skin, my feelings about summer changed.
Before I go any further, I would love to clarify that I am grateful for all of the seasons. I understand it’s a gift for the seasons to change, and there is a purpose for each one. As it states in Genesis 8:22, “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” With these changes in our surroundings, it is interesting how our bodies respond. You may have heard about seasonal affective disorder, and while I have never been officially diagnosed, I usually start to feel a slight dull ache of sadness once the heat and humidity of June in Georgia come along. Since I know this about myself, and after talking about it with a counselor last year, I feel much more prepared this summer to be proactive in my journey to beat these summertime blues.
If you’re like me and feel more at peace in the other three seasons, follow along as I go over three ways I will proactively beat my summertime blues this year:
1. Planning Ahead for Fun
Do you like to look forward to things? I often think that 50% of the joy I receive from activities is the anticipation that builds before they even happen. My first tip for being proactive this summer in beating the blues is to get some activities marked down on your calendar! Is there a friend you haven’t seen in a while and want to catch up with over dinner or a walk at the park? Is there a church you’ve wanted to visit or a new town you have been meaning to tour for a while now? Set up the date or coordinate with your friends and place the upcoming event on your calendar app or in your planner!
I’m also very nostalgic around summer for some reason. I remember summer breaks as a child and all of the fun I had playing outside with my siblings. While I did love to sleep in, watch cartoons, and play with my toys inside in the cool air conditioning, I also loved being outside! From playing on the swing set, digging in the dirt and sand, swimming in our above-ground pool, to riding my bike and making figure eights in the driveway, I had a blast! In Psalm 65:8, we are reminded how much joy being in nature can really bring to us: “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”
I remember there was a Saturday last summer when I woke up at a decent hour, had a good breakfast, went for an hour-long walk at the park (before the humidity set in), and then got home and made it to the pool before the big crowd arrived at noon. I had even packed a bag including a new magazine, fruit, water, and a new tunes playlist just for the occasion. This summer, and hopefully even this month, weather permitting, I plan on doing that exact same thing! Why not?
2. Beating the Heat
I can handle a hot day in the 90s, but a humid hot day in the 90s is just too much for me now. The air here in Georgia can get seriously thick, and as I’ve gotten older, it gets more and more uncomfortable to be out in, as well as harder to breathe. As a clinician who works with patients with breathing disorders, I know how important getting a deep breath of air can be when outside, exerting yourself. To proactively beat the summertime blues that I have associated with the humid weather here in Georgia, I now have a plan.
My first step is to plan on being outside mainly in the morning hours. I love to sleep in, but on a day I feel like going for a walk, I plan to go to bed a little earlier in order to get up earlier. I purchased a small handheld fan in desperation to get outside more last summer, and it will be my “ride or die” this summer as well. Do I get funny looks from people passing by when the fan is placed a mere inch away from my mouth? Maybe, but I bet I was breathing easier than they were!
Another idea that helps me be proactive in dealing with the uncomfortable feelings associated with summer is to wear cool, breathable fabrics that won’t show when the inevitable sweat creeps in. I do like to go to the pool from time to time, but it is more about being refreshed rather than getting a tan for me (and my dermatologist is proud of me for that). In Proverbs 31:30, it states, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Our beauty is not dictated by outward appearances, but I like to take care of myself and be presentable. One of the ways I do that is by having a slight tan in the summer. Instead of lying out and getting more burned than brown, I use self-tanner that helps give me a glow while also protecting my skin from damage. I’ve developed a routine and discovered a brand that I like that isn't sticky and, thankfully, doesn’t turn me orange.
3. Taking Little Indulgences
Growing up, summer was always a time of rest, yummy snacks, a change of pace, and fun. Knowing that I tend to feel a little more sad around this time of year while working my 40-hour-a-week job throughout summertime, I make sure to have the little indulgences at hand to beat the blues. I love writing, and setting aside time to write and listen to music is an indulgence for me. To get myself out of the rut of writing on my couch, I will go to a coffee shop from time to time to people-watch and not be alone. I love to indulge in a yummy frappuccino too. I also love going to the movies by myself on a whim in the summer. Now, if doing an activity by yourself makes you feel more sad, these activity ideas could very well be done in a small group or with a friend, too. I am a mix of introvert and extrovert, and can crave the flexibility of doing these easier activities by myself from time to time.
As a child, I also loved reading. Many times, there was a summer reading list for me to get through. Other times in the year, there was a reading program called “Book It,” where you would get stars on a button depending on how many hours you spent reading on your own. You could win prizes, including pizza or even tickets to an amusement park! I can now buy those prizes with my own money, but it’s still fun to set a reading goal or make a list of summertime books I want to read from my TBR shelf. I also love to listen to podcasts and follow my favorite YouTubers. I even, indulgently, purchased a Patron subscription for the summer to have extra videos and entertainment to watch and listen to!
I pray these tips will help you this summer. There are different ranges of sadness, and if yours feels too heavy, I recommend talking to a professional for more help and support. There is no shame in leaning on someone to help get your body and brain in a healthier state. We need each other, no matter the season we are in. Take care of yourself and stay cool, my friends!
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Samuel Silitonga
