How to Beat the Post-Summer Blues

By: Brett Blumenthal (View Profile)

Depending on where you live, you may not have had much of a summer. In the Northeast, we have had so much rain and dreary, cold days that many of us feel robbed and can’t believe we are in the throws of honest to goodness fall. It just doesn’t feel right that the leaves are changing and the temperature is dropping so quickly.

All in all, there seems to be a mild depression plaguing cities like Boston and Portland, Maine. Unfortunately, we can’t do very much about the weather, but we can change our attitude and pull ourselves out of this funk we have been in. Here are a few ideas that might be worth trying:

Plan a Getaway: Planning a future getaway, especially to somewhere tropical, can get your mood moving in the right direction. As you plan your vacation, visualize yourself at your destination. Imagine feeling the warm tropical breezes blow through your hair, the sand between your toes, and the warm sunshine on your skin.

Rent a Movie: Rent a movie that takes place in tropical locations. The visuals will get your mind off the cold and dreary and onto the sunshine and beautiful scenery. A couple to consider: 50 First Dates (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) and Fool’s Gold (Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey).

Fall Cleaning: All of us have heard of spring-cleaning ... so why not make fall a time to throw out the old and bring in the new? Freshen up the house with new colorful accents; go through your closets and toss out things you don’t wear anymore; and open up the windows and let in the fresh cool air.

Day at the Spa: Sure, any time is a good time to go to the spa, but if you are suffering from a little post-summer depression, pampering yourself with feel-good treatments can definitely lift your mood. If the spa is a bit more than your pocketbook can handle, go for a manicure and pedicure. 

Tanning Beds: Granted, tanning beds are not the most healthy option, but the warmth and the UV light can actually boost your mood. I don’t think one or two sessions are going to do you any harm, especially if you are careful to not overexpose your skin.

Have you been suffering from post-summer blues? What have you done to get into a better mood?

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posted: 10.15.2008
Courtney Ostaff
I use lots of electricity - I turn on all the lights in the house. I take my daughter to the park, not because she's old enough to play, but to ensure I get some daily vitamin D. I make sure my bedroom is as light as possible, with sheer curtains. I watch lots of TV (yes, I know this makes me a couch potato, but I find it soothing.) I play Bejeweled on Yahoo. I read (escapism is fun!) I play with my daughter in her nursery, which is full of sunlight. Mainly, I get out of the house.
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