Tips on How to Beat the End-of- Summer Blues

It starts just before Labor Day. As September approaches, we become acutely aware that summer is almost over. Endings in general can easily bring up feelings of anxiety, sadness and general malaise.  After all, soon there will be no more careless summer nights; no more early Fridays at work and no more days spent at the pool.
Even as professional adults, it’s like we still have a “back to school” mindset that awakens anxieties from long ago. And I get it. Commuting to work in cold weather and harsh conditions is never fun. Leaving the house and returning home when it’s dark can be nothing short of soul-destroying. A lack of sunshine is never easy, especially when we long for the warm sun on our skin. Knowing that the season will only get busier can make you want to hibernate.
But it’s true. It’s happening. The end of summer 2018 is upon us.

Here is how to survive:

Look Ahead: Hoodies, hot chocolate, reading by the fire, long walks, leaves falling and crisp air. Don’t forget football and pumpkin spice lattes. We have much to look forward to.
Don’t Lose Your Summer Mindset: Plan vacations, spend time outside, plan a party and continue to have fun! Give yourself permission to take your summer mindset into September and beyond.
Focus on What You Did Do: So you didn’t make it to the beach eight times or write your first breakthrough novel. You didn’t even get a suntan. Don’t focus on the goals you didn’t accomplish, rather the ones you did. Plus summer is only like what, three months? You have plenty of time to make up for it.
But be realistic: We load summer with too many expectations. What happened that made you smile? Did you play tag in the backyard with kids? Reminisce with your parents while sitting on the porch swing? Giggle with your girlfriends over margaritas? Sounds like a good time to me.
Immerse yourself: Summer’s slower rhythms can be hard to give up. To gear up for autumn’s accelerated pace, focus on a few goals for your personal and professional life. Take on a new project or sign up for that class you have always wanted to take.
Remember It’s Just another Transition: Imagine how boring life would be if every day stayed the same? Changes are essential and the less you fight it, the more you can enjoy it.