i was reflecting this week on feeling down, and how it feels so wrong to feel down in the summer. in theory, it should be the pinnacle of happiness - sunshine, lots of outdoor time, and many favorite activities. but I keep forgetting that every single summer, I start to feel those dreaded “dog days” hit, especially when I am more stagnant physically. i definitely feel this way in winter, but I somehow feel like it’s taboo to feel this way in the summer. especially for a self-proclaimed sun lover.
apparently, it’s more common than I thought - at least 10% of people who experience seasonal affective disorder also experience it in the summer.
here is the best I can come up with for ways to dig out:
open up about it
travel to different climates
be KIND to yourself
realize that it’s a thing
see if there is anything else physical or mental going on that can be triggering this
take-home: do things that make you happy, regardless of the season. embrace the season that is, while still acknowledging that there is better coming.
quote: “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” – Charles Bowden