4 Ways to Get Ahead of the Summer Scaries
When the days are short, the weather is cold, and winter seems endless we can find ourselves dreaming about summer, warm weather, and vacation. But what do we do when the fantasy of summer is actually here?
For many of us who dream about summer all winter long, the expectations of summer fun can lead to disappointment when our dreams don’t measure up to reality. Here are our ways to get ahead of the “Summer Scaries” and fully enjoy your summer this year.
Set realistic expectations.
If you wait all year for summer, it makes sense you have many hopes and plans for how to spend your time. Especially if your kids are in school it can feel important to squeeze as much fun out of summer as possible. However, the pursuit of so much summer fun can lead to exhaustion and an overbooked schedule. Try to aim for quality over quantity and aim for meaningful experiences over perfection.
Practice body neutrality or body positivity.
Hot summer weather and pool days can lead to us wearing different clothes than we are used to. These changes in clothing can trigger body image concerns and comparisons to those around us. Protect your peace by trying to focus on all of the amazing things your body allows you to do, rather than how it looks. While body positivity has become a popular concept, it can feel unattainable for some. Body neutrality can be a more palatable way to counter body image concerns, as it does not require us to cultivate love for our body, but rather decentralize our focus from our body altogether.
Set boundaries.
Between camping trips, family parties and holidays, we may feel ourselves being pulled in a million different directions when looking at our summer schedule. Even when you love your friends and family, it can be normal to feel overwhelmed at the number of activities and invites. Maybe you don’t want to let people down? Maybe you are struggling with how to prioritize your nuclear family when your extended family has so many events? Either way, connect with the people in your home to prioritize events, discuss boundaries, and decide how you are going to incorporate self care and relaxation. The summer is a great time to connect with those we love, but to feel our best we absolutely need to prioritize our own needs.
Find joy in self care and solitude.
If our social calendar is not as full as we would like, it is also normal to experience feelings of loneliness during the summer months. Social media can exacerbate these feelings when we compare our weekends to others. Try unfollowing any accounts that inspire feelings of inadequacy. Try to focus on what brings you joy, and engage in self care activities outside the home. Go on a nature walk, attend a farmers market, or get some ice cream. The summer can also be a great time to get out of our comfort zone and make new social connections. If you are craving more friends, but social anxiety is making this difficult, try reaching out to a therapist to work on steps to help with meeting and maintaining meaningful social connections.
