5 Tips to Make it Out of Summer Sadness

1. Prepare Your Body

A lot of the things about summer affect my body, but gratefully, these are things I can prepare for. Some of these include the stifling humidity that affects my breathing and the lurking possibility of getting a sunburn at every turn. To prepare for the humidity and heat while continuing to be social and exercise outside, I bought a handheld fan this summer that helps me breathe better in the thick humidity. I’ve carried this fan to the lake, outdoor concerts, the pool, on my lunch break walks, and walks at the park. I’ve been placing the fan about 5 inches from my mouth, so I know I look silly, but I don’t care because I have stayed cool and, most importantly, been able to breathe! 

To prevent sun damage and pain, I make sure to use sunscreen when I am out and try to find shade as much as possible. While I love the look of a tan, my skin health is very important to me, so I self-tan once a week at home. It’s not for everyone, but it takes me about 5 minutes once a week and then I feel more summer-ready. Of course, I love my natural complexion, but a safe self-tan gives me a little bit of joy and a mental boost while wearing summer clothes and bathing suits. My self-esteem can also get hit hard during swimsuit season, so I continuously attempt to stay graceful and positive towards myself and my body that I've been blessed with that takes care of me.

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2. Know What Brings You Joy

Some of you might experience what they call seasonal affective disorder in the winter, but for me, that comes in the summer. Knowing this is how my mind works has been a lifesaver. At the end of May, I got hit with a respiratory infection that was a major blow and kept me down for a while physically and mentally. By not being able to keep up my exercise routine even in the AC, which usually helps my mental health in the summer, I was feeling my mind getting lower and lower in a pit. I tried to find slow-paced activities and hobbies that I could do while in the air conditioning. Some of those are reading and watching movies, but magazines are where I found unexpected solace for my mind.

My teenage years were in the ‘90s and were some of the simplest and healthiest years for me while developing my interests. Good music would fill my bedroom, there was no internet yet, so comparisons were minimal, and there was a feeling of simplicity in the air. The memories of sitting on my bedroom floor, reading through my favorite magazines and shopping catalogs, while listening to the radio, my CDs, and tapes gave me so much joy. So I decided to bring that hobby back, and, in June, I started dedicating time to reading an uplifting weekly magazine, flipping through the pages while I sat in my papasan chair, and listening to my playlist of favorite hits from the 90s. 

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3. Get with Your People

Connecting with people can be hard if you are already feeling low and don’t want to be outside in the heat and humidity where most summertime activities happen. I knew I needed to stay connected to my people so I proactively reached out to a few friends that I had not seen in a while to catch up. In Proverbs 12:26 we are reminded that, “The righteous choose their friends carefully...” so remember this especially if you are already feeling low. I love going to the movies and getting dinner in places that are more “beach-themed” in the summer, and I have done both of those things with friends too.

Do you have other non-summer friends? Connect with them and share ideas about the kind of activities they are up to. I have friends who have already decorated their homes for Fall and, although it’s only July,  I don’t judge them because my Fall decorations go up towards the end of August! Also, keep up with your serving opportunities at church or, if you serve frequently throughout the year, take a break this summer so you can rest and be a receiver more in the services. 

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4. Find a Professional

This April, I started seeing a counselor. I have always known how beneficial counseling is but I just never took the steps to start. Maybe it was fear or pride thinking I was doing okay on my own, but when I found out that counseling was free through my health insurance this year, I took the leap! It took me a little bit to find the right counselor, but I have been appreciating it a lot. I also found that seeing a counselor with a similar faith as you (mine is also a Christian) can help with maintaining a perspective that fits your life’s purpose.

After being sick at the start of summer, my mind was really in a funk. My internal motivation, anticipation, and positive outlook were hard to find, but, with God’s grace, the help of my counselor’s tips and encouragement, and the healing of time, I got my mind back on track! Our minds and mental health are so intricate. I also want to recognize that not all “sadness” is the same. If you are feeling depression that seems overwhelming, I pray you can find a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist who can help you as you walk through this season of life and give you the advice and even prescription medication assistance that may be necessary to support you. 

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5. Get in the Word

The last and most important tip I can give you is to continue to read your Bible. As it says in Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Staying in the Word is imperative, and if you need motivation to read the Word more, like me, please consider joining a Bible study, start or continue a daily devotional time, or begin a Bible reading plan. 

I was invited into an online Bible study during the spring to summer months, which was a huge Godwink and means of accountability to stay in the Word. I delved deeper into word meanings and cross-referencing, and it was the perfect salve to keep me mentally and spiritually healthy this summer. I also continued my devotional time every morning and my personal journey of reading through the Bible which is a plan I have been on over the past two years. On some days, I even doubled up my daily readings when I had extra time. 

I pray that these tips have encouraged you to know you’re not alone. When you are feeling down, practical activities and motivation to bring more joy to your days are imperative. God sees us where we are and cares about our minds, hearts, and physical health so much. No matter where I find myself throughout the seasons of the year, I have to keep my focus on Jesus and the goal of sharing His love with all those I come in contact with. As Jesus encourages us in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” I love y’all, and let me know if any of these tips help you to make it out of summer sadness! 

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