As August rolls in, it may seem like summer is already rolling out. Tans are fading, the days are getting shorter, and while the heat still seems to be on full blast, there may be a sense of dread creeping in that is washing away your memories of your summer beach days faster than the tide. “Summertime Sadness,” also sometimes called, “back-to-school Blues,” or more clinically recognized as summer-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While SAD is typically associated with the onset of cold and darkness of winter. However, this can also strike during warmer months or as summer transitions into fall. If the end of summer is stealing your smile, don’t lose hope just yet!
Singer Lana Del Rey captures the mood perfectly in her haunting lyrics from Summertime Sadness: “I got that summertime, summertime sadness.” What does this mood feel like? According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may include “trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, anxiety, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness” that return seasonally each year (Mayo Clinic, 2024). What’s more? This summertime sadness is perhaps more common than you think! Psychology Today reports that up to 10% of people with SAD experience the summer variant, with symptoms intensifying as days grow shorter and routines shift (Psychology Today, 2023). Making this a reality for one in ten people, not just a mood dip and that means we need to do something about it!
What can you do when you can’t stop time? We know we can’t hold on to summer, but we can try to support how we are feeling in relation to it. One of the best ways to ebb and flow with seasonal mood shifts is to stay active and connected, both physically and emotionally. That’s where The Wellness Center comes to a place that has served our community proudly for over 43 years. As the largest provider of group fitness in the region, The Wellness Center offers something for everyone — from yoga and Spinning® to Zumba® and more! The Wellness Center has never been a “gym,” it’s a community and It’s a one-stop hub for fun, health, and fitness, supporting both your well-being and your local hospital.
Best of all, it’s affordable, making it easier to build healthy habits without financial stress. Regular exercise has been shown to boost serotonin and endorphins — the brain’s feel-good chemicals — helping to reduce symptoms of depression naturally (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023). Making it much easier to navigate the natural dips we feel during the darker and colder days ahead. Here are some other tips for fighting the summertime sadness:
- Stick to a routine. Predictability can ease anxiety and regulate your sleep and keep you efficient.
- Get outside. Soak in as much natural light as you can, especially in the morning. If you can’t get outside, get to a window! (Treat yourself like a plant!)
- Connect with others. Whether it’s a group class or a walk with a friend, community matters. In person is always best!
- Seek professional help. If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to consult a mental health professional. This is really important if you get the summertime sadness, don’t want for the winter blues!
And remember — you’re not alone. The changing seasons can stir complex emotions, but with support, movement, and awareness, you can ease the transition. Visit The Wellness Center today and rediscover the joy in every season and do it with your new friends who can support you along the way. Lets kick this summertime sadness together!