6 Ways to Beat the Summertime Blues

By Robin Westen

Summer is here and we’re supposed to be having a terrific time. But just as some people are brought down by too little light in the winter, others seem to be laid low in the summer months. Researchers aren't exactly sure what causes summer depression, but possible triggers can be combination of length of day, brightness of light and out-of-sync daily clocks. Here are strategies that may help you feel better:

Stick to a Sleep Schedule Vacations, late summer barbecues, short nights – they can all encourage you to stay up later than usual. But not getting enough sleep is a common trigger for depression. So make an effort to get to bed on time.

Stay Active without Being Overwhelmed Studies confirm regular physical activity can help keep depression at bay. So even if it’s getting too hot for your normal activities, find other ways to stay active. Start earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when it’s not so hot. Consider fitness equipment for the cool basement. If an annual membership to a gym is too expensive, consider joining one for a couple of months just to get you through the summer. Check out the Y.

Tame Financial Worries Summers can be expensive. There are trips, guest visitors, going out to eat more often, keeping up with the garden, etc. Before summer expenditures heighten your anxiety, consider making a budget and sticking to it.

Nix Yo-Yo Dieting When the warm weather kicks in and we think about a more revealing wardrobe, it’s tempting to try a restrictive diet. But you probably won’t be able to keep it up. And that “failure” will just leave you more demoralized and worsen summer depression.

Share the Social Responsibilities Maybe you always host the family reunion or the July Fourth barbecue. But if you’re overwhelmed, let another family member or friend know and ask if it can be at their home this year. Sticking to tradition isn’t worth depression.

Get Professional Help No matter what time of year, if you’re feeling depressed get help. Speak with a therapist or your doctor who can refer you to a specialist.

About the Author

Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her most recent book, co-oauthored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."