I love summer.
I love the warm weather. Family vacations. Backyard BBQs. Cold beer. Swimming pools. I love that the days are longer. School is out of session which means happier kids and less traffic.
Things feel easier and more carefree in the summertime.
And yet, around mid-August, it is not uncommon for the Summertime Blues to creep in.
The days are a little too hot… making it harder to focus at work.
The nights are a little too muggy… making it harder to sleep.
The vacation elements of summer feel like they are slowly slipping away… and the kids are already back in school.
Summer has officially come to a screeching halt.
Unlike the summer of 2020, which was basically canceled due to the pandemic, the summer of 2021 started out with a bang.
People were getting vaccinated.
Covid cases were on the decline.
Masks were coming off.
People were traveling.
We were able to hug our family and friends again.
It was glorious and we thought it was ‘safe to go back into the water.’ But, like most horror movies, the villain was not quite as dead as we had originally thought.
The Delta variant has arrived on the scene… and now we have to do battle for a third act.
The resurgence of Covid has added another layer to the summertime blues.
Like a wet blanket on top of an already soggy mattress.
But in spite of the famous song lyrics, “There Ain’t No Cure for the Summertime Blues,” I do believe there are a few tricks we can do to reduce the blues:
Get physical. Take a walk. Jump in the pool. Swim in the ocean. Ride your bike. Just move your body.
Go outdoors. Spending time in nature is good for the soul, and it can actually reduce your stress and anxiety.
Find a hobby. Pick up an old one or start a new one. What did you love doing as a kid? Or what have you always wanted to try?
Volunteer. Someone always needs help. Maybe it is a local food bank? Meal deliveries? Helping an elderly person in your neighborhood? Helping others is not only good for the recipient, but it has great psychological benefits for the provider too.
Read a good book. If reading is not your thing, you can listen to audiobooks or a podcast. By the way, if you listen to a book or podcast while walking outdoors, you have actually accomplished 3 things on this list at once… which is pretty awesome! 🙂
Journaling – Writing down your thoughts and getting things out of your head can be a great stress releaser. It doesn’t have to be pretty or organized… just write.
The good news is that the Summertime Blues are just part of a season…
And seasons change!
But if are ready to make a change now, then just pick one thing on the list and get started today.
Happy Wednesday!
-Jackie
P.S. If you need help making a change in your life, I can help. That’s what I do. You can schedule your free consultation here right now.
