We all know that feeling: the sinking feeling that sets in when we look at our calendar and see summer's end coming closer. It still reminds me of when I was in school and September loomed around the corner. One day we're basking in the sun, believing the summer will last forever and the next day we're gripped with a sense of dread -- Summer's almost gone! But we have so much left to do! That panic can literally take our breath away and even lead to the end-of-summer blues.
It's important not to let this feeling overwhelm us or send us into stillness. This is the time to take action and catch up with our intent, make the most of what's left of the season -- and remember that it isn't over yet.
Here's how to cure the end-of-summer blues:
1. Stay positive!
We may no longer be kids dreading going back to school in September, but we can still get the summertime blues. Especially in Canada, where we seem to wait forever for the season to arrive only to experience a euphoria crash come August. Summertime means long leisurely days, warm carefree nights, cute breezy outfits and fun flings with friends and beaux. Then, all of a sudden, the fun times are over and real life begins. We tend to see the approaching autumn season as a return to rules, to responsibilities, to restriction. But it doesn't have to be this way. September also brings a "new year" feeling, one that we can harness and use as motivation to make the most of this season -- and the next, too! When we look at it this way, summer's end gives us the energy to propel into fall.
2. Remember that there's still time.
Don't panic! It's easy to feel like the season is already over even though this is only the seventh of 13 weeks of summer. There's still six weeks to go and, although it's not forever, it's enough time to continue making the most of summer.
3. Be specific about what you want.
The best way to get what you want is to know what you want. Did you set out with specific goals for the season? In my case, I told myself I would take Fridays off this summer. Well, it is almost mid-August and I've taken one Friday afternoon off so far. We can take note of what we want to do, places we want to visit, people we want to see... but sometimes the days slip away, or work takes the lead, and those things don't get done -- such as my Fridays off plan! Consider the things you intended to achieve this summer and determine which of the remaining ones you truly want or that mean the most to you.
4. Take action!
Instead of letting go of our intentions for the season, think of steps you can take towards actualizing your goals. Be positive -- but also realistic. Pick the top three items from your summer to-do list that will make you the happiest and focus your energy on achieving those goals, even in small ways. For example, I really wanted to spend more time outside in nature. So now, instead of running inside on my treadmill, I do daily jogs and walks outdoors. And maybe I won't end up having Fridays off, but I can book one or two more afternoons for myself.
There is a cure for the end-of-summer blues! By focusing on our intentions and taking active steps to achieve our goals, we can make the most of the waning season and get back to finding our joy in what's left of the summer and into the fall.
