I’m gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler / About working all summer just to try to earn a dollar / Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do, but there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues.
The Eddie Cochran classic — later covered by recording artists as diverse as the The Who, Alan Jackson and Rush — highlights a common sentiment: That the lazy days of summer often run out before one can make the most of them.
The feeling often sets in around this time of year, with a new school year rapidly approaching for students, and adults scrambling to take a few days off or juggle social event. But while there may be no cure for the summertime blues, there are a few strategies that can help head them off.
The summertime blues often result from a fear of missing out (FOMO). Find something you want to do and make a plan; whether it’s a walk in the park, dinner and a show, or a full-on vacation, get it on the calendar. It will give you something to look forward to as well as a sense of accomplishment.
Suggestions from the Jewish Family Service include spending time outdoors — a little sun and fresh air can do wonders. Get together with family and friends. Develop a hobby that doesn’t involve work or screens. Above all, eat healthy and get some exercise. You also might try to do some #decluttering; too much #stuff can weigh on the psyche.
If the summertime blues go beyond a wistful sense of lost time or missed opportunities and develop into seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and/or depression, seek professional help. Common signs of summertime SAD include “anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and decreased energy levels,” says the Henry J. Austin Health Center. Disrupted routines, social expectations, body image concerns and oppressively hot weather can contribute.
It’s not unusual to feel a little bit gloomy even when the sun is shining. Fortunately, summer is longer than you think; you still have more than two months to enjoy everything the season has to offer. Start today!