Dear Reverend,
Summer is pretty much over, and I feel like I didn’t enjoy any of it. I did a few fun things, but nothing much to mention. It’s supposed to be the best time of the year, but lately summer just puts me in a funk. What is my problem?
Saul Stice (man, 37)
Dear Saul Stice,
End-of-summer blues are very common, but if you feel down during the dog days, something else may be afoot.
Everyone has heard about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can happen to people in winter, but summertime can have negative effects on mood, too. While winter SAD is triggered by a lack of sunlight, the summer version is basically the opposite. Longer days with more sun can impact the body’s circadian rhythm and brain chemistry and leave you feeling not so hot.
As with many body issues, some of the best ways to combat the problem are to make sure you’re getting enough sleep and exercise, staying hydrated, and eating healthy food. If you really feel depressed and think you need more help to beat it, you may want to talk to your doctor. There’s no shame in the self-care game.
It’s also quite possible that you’re setting the bar too high for the season. Any time you expect something is going to be the best thing ever, you’re bound to be disappointed. During the summer months, you may want to take a break from social media because seeing people’s curated posts about vacations and days at the beach only add fuel to the FOMO fire.
Luckily, summer doesn’t officially end this year until the autumnal equinox on September 22. There’s plenty of time left to lower your expectations and enjoy it.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in 30th Birthday Issue.
