Summer break is finally upon us. It's a time when students get a break from the stress of classes and exams. It’s a time that’s often thought about all year, but did you know that summer burnout is a real thing? Yes, you read that right. The season that's supposed to be all about rest and rejuvenation, especially for high school and college students, can actually leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed.
We Frequently Work With College-Aged Individuals
As a therapy practice that has therapists who often work with college-aged individuals, we want to help you avoid burning out and maintain your mental health over the summer. In this blog post, we'll be sharing some tips and tangible tasks that you can incorporate into your summer routine to help accomplish your goals while minimizing anxiety and burnout.
What is Summer Burnout?
First things first, let's talk about what summer burnout is. It's when you feel exhausted and overwhelmed during the summer months, despite not having the usual academic workload. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as feeling pressure to make the most of your summer, experiencing changes in routine, or simply feeling burnt out from the past academic year. Whatever the reason, it's important to recognize that summer burnout is a real thing and that you take steps to prevent it.
So, what can you do to avoid summer burnout and maintain your mental health over the summer? Here are some tips:
Set realistic expectations for your summer.
It's easy to get caught up in the idea of having the "perfect" summer, but it's important to remember that perfection is impossible. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to have the most exciting and productive summer ever, set realistic expectations for what you want to accomplish. This could be as simple as reading a book or trying out a new hobby. If you’re in a summer job or internship, this can look like goal-setting toward improvement and learning, rather than accomplishment and achievement.
Maintain a routine.
One of the biggest culprits of summer burnout is a lack of routine and consistency. While it can be tempting to stay up late and sleep in every day, it's important to maintain some sort of structure to your day. This could mean setting a regular wake-up time, scheduling regular exercise or self-care activities, or planning out your meals.
Stay connected with friends and family.
Summer can be a time when social connections dwindle, as people go on vacation or simply enjoy the warm weather alone. However, it's important to stay connected with the people in your life who bring you joy and support. This could mean setting up regular phone calls or video chats, planning nights out with friends, or joining a summer sports league.
Practice self-care.
Self-care is important year-round, but it's especially important during the summer months when you may have more free time. This could mean anything from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk in nature. It can also mean making plans for the summer that support your long-term goals and being kind to yourself throughout the process of working toward those goals. The key is to find activities that help you feel calm and refreshed, without pressure to do so.
Try something new.
Summer is a great time to try out new hobbies or activities. This could be something as simple as trying a new recipe or as adventurous as taking up a new sport. Trying new things can help you feel more energized and engaged with the world around you.
Now that we've talked about some general tips for maintaining your mental health over the summer, let's get into some tangible tasks that you can incorporate into your routine. Here are a few ideas:
Start a gratitude journal.
Gratitude journaling is a simple but effective way to boost your mood and maintain a positive outlook. Set aside a few minutes each day to write down a few things you're grateful for. This could be anything from the sunshine to a kind gesture from a friend.
Volunteer in your community.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and connect with others. Look for local organizations or charities that could use your help, and commit to volunteering once a week or once a month.
Take a digital detox.
Constantly checking social media and email can be draining and overwhelming. Taking a digital detox can help you connect with yourself and the people around you, rather than getting sucked into the expectations of social media and the self-comparison that often comes along with it.
Therapy for Anxiety in NYC Can Help You Overcome Summer Burnout.
Along with all of these helpful tips, therapy is also an amazing tool to help you avoid summer burnout and anxiety! Our therapists at the New York City Psychotherapy Collective are always looking to help our clients take the rest and relaxation they deserve and manage their anxiety, both in and out of the summer months. If you think therapy might be the right option for you, reach out to us today!
Follow the steps below to get started:
Click here to share some information about you so that we can match you with the perfect therapist for your needs.
Have a low-pressure, 20-minute call with your therapist to make sure they are the right fit.
Schedule your first session and start on your journey to feeling better right away.
We offer specialized services for related issues like Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Therapy, and Therapy Specifically for Young Adults. We can help you feel less overwhelmed, more relaxed, and more like the self you want to be.