How I Turn Summertime Sadness Into Creative Power

When The Brightest season feels like too much

I’ve always thought summer was supposed to be easy: full of sunshine, happy days, and fun adventures. But every year, I find myself sinking into what I now call my summertime sadness.

It doesn’t feel right to call it summer depression because it’s not the heavy, clinical kind of sadness many associate with depression. Instead, it’s more like an overstimulation fatigue… too much light, noise, and the expectation to go out and enjoy life even though you’re not feeling like it

There’s this pressure (almost like an unspoken rule) that summer is supposed to be our prime time. We’re expected to be glowing, social, adventurous, constantly outside and living our best lives. And when you’re not feeling that way, the FOMO hits hard.

I always think there’s nothing lonelier than feeling off in a season where everyone else seems to be shining.

 

It’s a feeling I don’t hear talked about enough, even though I know I’m not alone.

But here’s the truth I want to share:

Summertime sadness is real and normal. Our inner rhythm can (and should) be different from everyone else’s

It’s okay to slow down, to feel heavy, and to take care of ourselves differently when the world around is too much.

The long, bright days are overwhelming. The constant light, the noise, the pressure to be social and do “all the things”… it’s overstimulating in a way that drains me. Even traveling the world, which usually fuels my soul, becomes exhausting during the peak of this season. It’s like the heat and noise make every emotion stronger. It’s overstimulating to a point where I just want to disappear into silence.

I feel like Summertime sadness is not about the season itself, but how the world wants us to shine when sometimes, we just need to rest in shadow.

 

How Summertime Sadness Shows Up for Me

Early mornings are okay, it’s still quiet and the air feels fresh. After 7AM everything slowly changes until I lose all motivation, the sun refuses to set and the world stays loud.

Journaling, which is usually my lifeline, feels like a chore. Goal setting becomes overwhelming (my mind races and my body wants to shut down). In these moments I often forget that Self-care isn’t about trying harder, but about finding small pockets of peace.

 

Things that help? 

When I’m feeling very low I turn inward. I give myself permission to do less, to opt out of the noise, and to follow what actually helps me feel better. I’ve been sticking to grounding habits like:

• going for slow early morning walks before the heat kicks in.
• listening to playlists that actually calm my nervous system instead of hype me up
• Wearing clothes that feel like safety(I stopped forcing myself into “summer clothes” that feel too exposed. Instead, I wear what makes me feel secure and held: lightweight layers, soft fabrics, anything that makes my nervous system feel safe).
• Saying no more often. I let myself skip events, cancel plans, or choose one-on-one meetups in shaded cafés instead of loud groups in the sun.
• Protecting myself from Social Media.   I mute accounts and words that trigger FOMO. I don’t need to see everyone on a yacht or on vacay to know I’m doing fine.
• Instead of “working out,” I stretch, walk, or move slowly usually indoors or when the sun is lower.
• Creating something (even if it’s small):
  I make space for creative bursts. Even 10 minutes of writing, designing, or rearranging a corner of my home helps me feel like I exist beyond just “coping.” Luckily my guides always keep me from slipping into that all-or-nothing state, they lead me back into motion peacefully.
• Using Skincare out of the fridge. The cold touch on my skin feels like a little cool oasis in the heat, perfect before bed! 
  
• Sauna/Spas ironically also become my escape. A quiet, dark space where I can breathe without too much daylight or social expectation. (Most spas I know are nearly empty in summer, maybe because people think they only belong in cold, dark winters. But for me, they’re like a refuge, try it out!)

I always try to remember:

When the world gets loud, I create peace. When the sun is too bright, I build shade. This is still my season, even if I move differently in it.

Feeling Wrong for Feeling This Way

There’s a sneaky part of me that feels wrong for feeling so off during the season when “everyone else” seems to be thriving. I scroll through pictures of smiles and pool parties and wonder if I’m just too sensitive or broken.

But here’s the truth I want to share: It’s normal & more common than we think.

It’s okay to not be okay with the summer hype. Our rhythms don’t always sync with the world’s calendar. Feeling overwhelmed by light, noise, and expectations is a real experience, and it deserves recognition.

 

How The Guided Transformation helps Me Through It

I create guides for myself all the time, every season. Sometimes they help me to find more peace and other times it’s about finding more motivation.

This year, I’m navigating summer with the help of my 4-week guided transformation, a personal program I created to inspire creativity, motivation, and steady progress even when my energy is low.

Instead of giving in to the heat and the heavy feelings and doing nothing at all, this process helps me stay consistent. I break down my goals into tiny steps and allow room for peace & rest in between. Working on it even when it’s just a few minutes per day is so rewarding because It’s not about working on it blindly but honoring my limits and I’m still moving forward.

I always realize in these moments that creativity doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It usually comes when I show up.

If You Feel This Too…

If you’re reading this and feeling that summertime sadness, know you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid, and your pace matters.

Maybe try cooling your skin, seeking peaceful spaces, and giving yourself permission to rest. Journal honestly about how you feel and don’t put too much pressure on being successful and productive.l

just. Show. Up.

And if you’re struggling with motivation, consider creating a simple routine that balances creativity and rest, like my Guide helps me do. It might just be that one push you need to get through.

Thank you for letting me share this piece of myself. I hope it helps you feel seen and understood. ☀️