With Kate
As we mark the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, many people are looking forward to a fun, social season. Summer is often when people spend time at the beach, attend weddings or family reunions, go camping, etc. It is often regarded as a time for fun and freedom. Many people feel energized by the sunshine, the longer days, and being able to spend more time outdoors and socializing.
But the abundance of light, the lack of familiar structure, and the intensity of the heat can create challenges. The long days and rising heat can feel exhausting and lead to seasonal burnout. For some individuals, the pursuit of summer experiences and the pressure to meet social expectations deplete them.
The increased daylight can also disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is typically associated with winter, a subset of the population experiences “Summer SAD” where excessive heat and light can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, or physical exhaustion. This can be heightened for people with sensory sensitivities; the glare of the sun, increased noise and activity, the density of crowds, and intense heat can feel overwhelming.
It is important to notice if you are energized by the summer and feel motivated to go have fun, or if you feel exhausted and need to tend to your needs. Taking a nap when you feel tired, relaxing in the shade with your book, staying indoors when it feels too hot outside, or leaving social events before you feel exhausted, can help you get through the summer without feeling depleted.
Summer should be a time of enjoyment, which will look different for each of us. Finding your own rhythm and meeting your own unique needs will help you have a summer that you can look forward to.
