August can bring an unsettling feeling for many people. Hot and humid, the full force of summer can feel overwhelming, and with shorter days ahead, a sense of melancholy can set in. Offices and neighborhoods turn into ghost towns as people take their last vacations before school starts, leaving a feeling of isolation.
Feeling the August blues? You’re not alone. For some, it’s the realization that most of the year has passed, with Halloween and holiday ads already appearing. The early return of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte only emphasizes the approaching end of summer.
Sylvia Plath captured this transition perfectly: “August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”
Clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow from the University of Alabama at Birmingham explains that August has all the ingredients for a stew of blues. For a small percentage, it even triggers summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Why might you be feeling down? Extreme temperatures can force you indoors, reducing your exposure to natural sunlight. The chaotic schedule of planning activities and vacations or preparing for back-to-school can also be overwhelming. Nostalgia for carefree summer days of childhood can add to the sadness, as can disrupted sleep and eating habits.
The heat and humidity wear you out physically and mentally, and social media can amplify feelings of missing out. As the end of summer nears, the pressure of time passing can add to the blues.
To cope, take care of your body with proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Engage in enjoyable activities, even if it requires effort. Limit social media use and remind yourself that everyone has their share of mundane moments.
By addressing these factors, you can alleviate the August blues and enjoy the remainder of summer.
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