Ever find yourself feeling equally as tired, or exhausted as the summer season ends? The truth is, lots of adults and even children experience this. Summer often presents ideal times to enjoy vacation(s) and changes of scenery. For children, it usually involves a break from attending school. “Summer burnout is the emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that occurs when your expectations clash with the reality of your life. It’s tied to the unique pressures and disruptions that come with the season.”
With the ideal travel time usually taking place in the summer, there can be a universal expectation or desire to use the summertime for adventure. Travel and social media both have potential to influence expectations and fantasy. Being exposed to the picture-perfect vacations in addition to other non-related factors may contribute to the longing of something that one may not be able to access at this time.
Similar to other types of burnout, such as workplace burnout and partner burnout, summer burnout is a real thing. You may be wondering how a season of relaxation and adventure may be ultimately tiring.
What Brings Summer Burnout
The breaking of routine likely causes us to adapt to a new pattern or normalcy. There is comfort in structure and routine, and when those things are adjusted, we have to adjust with it. This may mean adjusting a work shift, finding a babysitter, and additional increased responsibilities.
Work-life balance may contribute to burnout as well. Summer is often a season in which many families plan their vacations. This may include you as well. Have you experienced the work that needed to finish before you start a vacation? That may include working extended hours, hiring a house sitter, making sure reservations are taken care of, and so on. What about the extra work that may be required of you when coworkers happen to go on vacation?
What You Can Do
- Mindfulness can assist with managing additional stress and anxiety if they are present.
- Being able to attend to yourself may need to be a priority.
- Establish boundaries and be confident in them.
- Seek support and utilize it, if needed.
- Rest!
- Recognize a structure and maintain structure
