Every year when Texas reaches record-breaking temps and social schedules begin to lose all sense of rhythm, I find myself slipping into a languid summer funk. It’s ironic to me that this bright and colorful season—hypothetically my favorite time of year—could put such a damper on my spirits. I have months of sunshine and swimming and ice cream sundaes to anticipate, but once the heat arrives the days seem to stretch longer than I can bear. Not even vacations or birthdays have been able to fully disrupt this numbing effect.
It feels like a betrayal to me that the weather most like the tropical biome of my youth has become one of my most predictable triggers. Ever since one of my friends pointed out this pattern, I’ve been trying to trace the root. Could it be the faint outline of a painful memory? Perhaps the long afternoons we spent melting into homeschool books, the AC unit struggling overhead as I struggled within? Or have I simply been hot and bothered since my toddlerhood in the clinging humidity of rural Thailand?
Whether my low mood is spiritual or biological in nature, I’ve learned to brace myself and plan ahead for the warmer months. In solidarity with fellow summer sufferers, I’m here to share what helps me through.
Back to Basics
The best foundation we can build for any emotional distress is a renewed attention to basic needs. We’ve all experienced how our capacity for emotional regulation goes out the window when we’re tired or hangry. For some reason, adults are often expected to “push through” when we have many of the same requirements as the average tiny human. So in the summer, like any other kids, we need to eat regular snacks and meals, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and get enough sleep despite the longer sunlight hours.
Keep It Comfy
A big part of my personal healing has been rebuilding a connection with my body. This means paying closer attention to physical sensations and noting how they affect or reflect my emotional life. It’s an interesting process that has uncovered tons of useful information—but it’s also made me realize how sensitive I can be to discomfort. This summer, I’ve resolved to honor my body and care for my mental health by accommodating my sensory needs whenever possible. Below are a few examples:
Being in front of a fan as much as possible, including turning one on at bedtime and bringing a handheld fan to outdoor activities (I’m obsessed with my bear fan)
Keeping cold things in the freezer to soothe my nervous system when I’m grouchy or anxious, such as ice packs, gua sha stones, or an ice roller like this
Taking cold showers for the same reason (afternoons are my favorite)
Wearing loose clothing and breathable fabrics (I don’t want anything to touch me when I’m hot!) and shorts under dresses to prevent chub rub
Prioritizing indoor activities such as movies, museums, game nights, and crafts
Staying in the shade or waiting until sunset to emerge for outdoor activities
Spending as much time as possible in pools and rivers
In short, don’t settle for sunburns and sweaty afternoons! Take a siesta instead.
Romanticize the Season
Finally, it has been helpful to be a little delusional about the delights of summer rather than dreading how it might affect me. After all, this sunny season is part of nature’s cycle so it can be grounding to embrace the bounty it has to offer. For me, it always starts with the produce: Cherries, watermelon, peaches, nectarines, mangos, and Pecos melons. I love an heirloom tomato sandwich with flaky salt and cracked lemon pepper. I’m drawn to cold, snacky finger foods, fruity smoothies, and mediterranean dishes that can be assembled in minutes without the unwelcome heat of a stove.
Ice cream and cold drinks help me endure the dragging days. I’m not picky about ice cream; My passion is equal for Snickers ice cream bars, Hudsonville Triple Peanut Butter Cup, and Lick Honest Ice Cream’s Lady Bird Lavender Crisp. I’ve also experimented with homemade flavors like Thai tea (a triumph) and pandan (a failure). My endless rotation of cold brew, iced tea, and craft sodas has already been documented in a previous post.
The romance of summer activities comes alive at night. A dip at Deep Eddy as the sun begins to set. A moonlit swim in my apartment pool with only the voices of my friends to follow. Laughter and squeaky flip flops. Community theater on the lawn at Zilker. Live music on the patio at Central Market. Reading in the grass before Hyde Park Storytelling. Summer blockbusters in a dark theater. Falling asleep with a fun summer read.
I try to soak it all in while it’s here.