Keeping it real: I would like to be some who loved summer. When I grew up, I emptied in New Hampshire and I waited for the funnel cake on the promenade, the slow days in the lake, the sugary cereal and an hour of lying late. But now? I feel pressure to pack my social calendar, live my best life (compared to social networks) and I see myself hot while I do it. Not in the literal sense, because there is a permanent sweat pool on my upper lip that I would only like it to be there. Puaj. I never realized that seasonal depression is as valid now as it can be in colder months.
The seasonal affective disorder (or sad to abbreviate) is associated with winter, but for many, seasonal summer depression is very real. If you are not enjoying the activities you normally perform and in a general mood that cannot shake once the weather is heated, it is not alone. Before, I talked to the psychologist Dr. Hannah Holmes to obtain his version of Summer Sad, in addition to practical tips to combat seasonal blues.
How do I know that I have the sad summer?
If you look around and see others enjoying the season while you are barely achieving, you may be experiencing summer season depression. “As the days are heated and longer, many people feel a renewed sense of energy and optimism,” Dr. Ir. Holmes shares. “For a person with the sad summer, this contrasts strongly with their own mood and lack of energy.”
Summer Sad can also be an isolated experience, which can make it equally more difficult to face. “People often discuss how important it is to make the most of the cold winter days, such as leaning towards winter sports or savoring cozy and interior activities: we assume that this is easy and naturally in the summer,” he explains. If you feel low, the name of the game is to treat you with greater care, grace and children this summer.
Here are other sad summer symptoms, according to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.
• Sad and low mood
• Feel anxious
• Feeling agitated
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
How to combat seasonal summer depression
If you feel anxious, drained and under this season, you have come to the right place. Here are Dr. Holmes’ advice to spend the season gently.
Cured your social networks
As they say, the comparison is the thief of joy. It can be very easy to get “remember that you can imagine that other people’s summers are much happier or more exciting than they really are,” says Dr. Holmes. “When you see photos of a friend’s holidays on social networks, remember that they are sharing a curing set of images to show the best moments of their trip.”
It is a timely reminder. Social networks are an outstanding reel, especially when it comes to travel or vacation content. “The photos do not capture delay behind the scene, travel hypo or the hundreds of emails they had to deal with after their trip,” continues Dr. Holmes. To keep the comparison at bay, select your feed so that you are only seeing content that elevates it and limits your travel time if you can. “The displacement of social networks is a passive and sedentary activity. Try to replace the displacement with something tactile, such as drawing, organizing a drawer or stretching,” recommends Dr. Holmes. “Take a walk and listen to an interesting or inspiring podcast. These active physical experiences are based and energizing.”
Grant in what your body can do
“The warm climate and summer activities means more skin clothes, such as shorts and swimsuits, which can be intimidating for anyone who already fights with body image problems,” shares Dr. Holmes. I know for me, the body of body shame run rampant in my mind once it warms out.
“Duration of this vulnerable season, is especially considered about the content you consume”, Dr. Ir. Holmes suggests. “Follow the accounts of positive social networks for the body and limit exposure to content that poses negative feelings on your body.”
Hurrying your focus on how your body looks can also be useful. “Grant what your body can do and folding“Dr. Holmes instarts.” Practice gratitude for the way your body supports you. ”
Dress comfortably
If it fights with body image, it can be a challenge to dress any morning when it’s hot. Dr. Holmes suggests practicing courage and recognizing his courage. “If summer clothing makes you want to hide your body or withdraw from social activities, make it a priority to gently challenge your fears and take small risks, so you can build your trust over time,” suggests Dr. Holmes.
See if you can find at least the summer outfit in which you feel safe and comfortable, and let your summer uniform. It will take the conjectures of preparing and reducing its stress in the process.
Stay fresh
In a season defined by heat, it is very important to stay fresh. This is not only for your physical health, but also for your mental health. “We know that heat and humidity can cause irritability and frustration,” shares Dr. Holmes. “If you are fighting with the summer climate, be deliberate to get the best out of the sun and heat and stay fresh while you do it.”
If this means that outdoor activities make you want to run to the hills, make peace with being an inner cat for the season. “Prioritize the activities that allow you to cool off like the beach or the pool, or jump completely,” suggests Dr. Holmes. “He simply enjoys doing interior and air conditioning activities.”
There are many interior activities that can do this summer, and there is no need to overcome to omit the outdoors. I have been loving cozy hobbies such as painting by number, reading and sewing. All in the air conditioning!
Mental travel
Even if you have a vacuum in the books this summer, it is fine (and normal!) Feel too rejected and anxious for it. Dr. Holmes suggests having enough time to become after a vacation. “The holidays are fun, but they are not necessarily free of stress; they interrupt their normal routine, which can discard their balance and affect their mood,” she says.
If you are able, facilitate your vacation, then leave it. “If you know that your mood is immersed in the summer, take into account the time of giving time to adjust and emphasize after traveling or other activities that interrupt their typical routine,” says Dr. Holmes.
While summer is painted as a season of ease and joy, it is important to remember that not everyone feels their best duration in the warmest months. If you are fighting with seasonal summer depression, know that you are not alone and that your experience is valid. By protecting your peace and prioritizing rest, it is possible to find its own version of Summer that feels based, nutritious and faithful to you. He just remembers being good care, and knowing that autumn is just around the corner.