10 Ways To Get Out Of An End Of Summer Slump

Can we just talk about how your mood, energy, and overall life purpose just CRASHES at the end of summer? I have found myself in quite the slump as of late. I’m not sure what to do with myself, no motivation, and kinda sad. The end of summer slump is real! 

If you also find yourself in this weird seasonal limbo you are not alone. It’s actually a thing! Summer often brings fun, excitement, and vitamin D which makes a person happy. When the sunshine stops coming out as much, school is back in, and life seems to be more “normal” again, it’s easy to feel down. However, you can get out of this end of summer slump using some of these helpful tips! So keep reading to boost your mood and get back on track this fall. 

What is an end of summer slump?

Simply put, an end of summer slump is when you feel unmotivated, uninspired, and possibly a bit depressed at the end of summer. With the long days and fun activities ending you can find yourself in a bit of a mental slump. It’s all normal! 

While some people get excited about a new season, school going back, fall sports starting, and so on, others can be really affected by summer being over. Vacations are finished, sunshine is gone, patio drinks are no more… I love fall but there is something about summer with your friends and family. 

Signs you may be experiencing an end of summer slump:

• Feeling sad “for no reason”
• Life feels boring 
• Spending more time alone (and not liking it)
• You don’t have any goals or direction 
• Low energy 
• Struggling with new routines and finding your groove 

Ways you can ditch the end of the summer slump

So, as already mentioned, it’s pretty normal to feel down during this time of year. Finding ways to boost your mood and help yourself get into the groove again is key! Here are 10 tips for getting out of an end of summer slump. 

1- Set new goals 

Even setting one or two new goals for the rest of the year can give you motivation to keep going. Everyone needs something to work towards. So think of a couple of goals you want to achieve. You can also create a small bucket list for the rest of the year that you can try to complete! 

2- Prioritize your routines 

When you aren’t feeling yourself and life feels dull it’s important to stick to your routines. Make new ones if you need to! But stick with them and remind yourself that you are important enough to show up for every day. 

3- Journal about your feelings 

Journaling is so helpful when you are feeling sad, mad, confused, lost, and so on. Take a few minutes to reflect on your feelings and why you feel that way. Another good way to use journaling during a transition period such as the seasons changing is to focus on gratitude! Write down 3 things you are grateful for every single day. It will help!

Related reads:

• 11 Powerful Journal Prompts For Building A Gratitude Mindset
• How To Figure Out What You Want In Life + Journal Prompts
• The Best Journal Prompts For Boosting Your Self-confidence

4- Plan things to look forward to 

Summer is full of fun activities and plans to look forward to. Turns out humans enjoy being around other people and doing fun things!! So make sure you have some new fun activities to look forward to. Plan a weekend trip, a Halloween party, game nights with friends, and so on. 

5- Take a break 

Allow yourself to slow down and enjoy the changes of the season. You might be used to going all the time so when there is less to do it can be hard. However, embrace the changes and relax a little. 

6- Start a new hobby 

Keep things in your life interesting by learning a new skill, joining a club, or starting a new hobby! It’s good for your brain and could help you meet new people. My favourite hobbies include reading, writing, walking, and as of recently, playing video games! 

7- Connect with nature 

Nature is powerful. It can really change your mood when you are one with nature. I love going for walks on casual walking trails. Plus, fall weather is some of the best for getting outside. Not too hot, not too cold. Love the short time of year when I can wear my vests! 

8- Create a mood board 

It’s a lot of fun to scour Pinterest and create mood boards. I like to make them on Canva but you can easily just make a board on Pinterest and save all the inspo pictures to there. Making a mood board for the season can be inspiring and give you an idea of what you want to work on, do, and feel like. 

9- Small dopamine hits 

When you feel sad or unmotivated its really hard to do anything. You may just want to lay in bed or rot on the couch. Finding really small ways to get a dopamine hit will slowly help you get back on track and find a bit of happiness. 

Small dopamine hit ideas:

• Listen to your favourite song 
• Go for a short walk 
• Make your favourite food 
• Intimacy with others (even just a hug)
• Pamper yourself 
• Have a quick dance party
• Talk to a friend 

10- Start a challenge 

Sometimes you just need to be active and get out of your own head. I know I need to! Start a challenge that keeps you busy and gives you something to focus on. You can make your own or try something like 75 hard.

A few challenge ideas to get you started:

• 30 day reading challenge 
• 60 day healthy eating challenge 
• Fitness challenge
• Self-care challenge 
• Journaling challenge 
• Running challenge 
• 30 day cleaning challenge 

You could even put some of these ideas together! The world is your oyster. 

Final thoughts 

The end of summer slump is real! When the seasons change it’s pretty normal to feel down or unmotivated. It happens to the best of us. However, it’s important to do things that get you out of the slump. No one wants to feel that way. 

Use some of the above tips to get yourself out of the end of summer slump and back on track. 

I will be journaling more and also planning some fun activities. I tend to turn inward when I get sad and reaching out is hard but I am changing that. There is nothing wrong with being the planner! So this is your sign to reach out to your friends and family and have some fun this fall and winter season. 

Until next time, 

Deanna