Summer Time Sadness: When Summer Isn’t All Sunshine and Vibes
Let’s be real for a sec – everyone acts like summer is the season where you’re meant to be thriving. But what if you’re not?
What if you’re stuck at home while your feed is full of people on holidays, living their best lives? What if you miss the routine of school or your friends are busy and you’re just… bored and kind of lonely? What if you don’t love how you look in shorts or swimwear and that makes you want to stay inside instead of soaking up the sun?
If that’s how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. And this is your gentle reminder: it’s totally okay if summer isn’t your favourite season.
The Truth About Summer
We’ve been sold this dream of a ‘perfect summer’ – non-stop fun, beach days, glowing tan, a group of besties, an ice cream in one hand and a cute boy in the other. But real life doesn’t always look like that.
For lots of us, summer can feel like a weird in-between time. You’re out of your school routine, friends might be away, and you suddenly have way more time to overthink everything from your body to your friendships. If that’s hitting a bit too close to home – same.
Why You Might Be Feeling Off
- Loneliness: When you’re not seeing your friends every day in school, it can feel a bit isolating. Even if you are texting or DM’ing, it’s not the same as chatting at lunch or laughing in class.
- FOMO: Social media is full of Ibiza trips, Ed Sheeran concerts, and Pinterest-perfect picnics. If you’re not doing any of that, it’s easy to feel like you’re “wasting” summer.
- Body image: Summer is the season of shorts, bikinis, and crop tops. If you’re feeling self-conscious, it can make you dread pool parties or even just leaving the house.
- No routine: Weirdly, having too much free time can mess with your head. You can end up sleeping in too late, doom-scrolling, and feeling unmotivated.
How to Actually Feel Better
Let’s flip the script a bit. Summer doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t need a five-star holiday or a new body to enjoy it. Here’s what might help:
1. Romanticise your summer
No trips abroad? Make an iced coffee, put on a playlist you love, and go for a walk with your headphones in. Sit in the sun with a good book. Plan a solo movie night. Life doesn’t have to be Insta-worthy to be lovely.
2. Set a mini routine
It doesn’t have to be strict, but having a few things to do each day can help you feel less stuck. Try waking up at the same time, going for a short walk, journalling, or doing something creative.
3. Log off if you need to
If your feed is making you feel worse, mute people or take a break. You don’t owe your time or energy to anyone, especially if it’s messing with your mental health.
4. Move your body because it feels good
Not because you “should”. Dance around your room, go for a swim, stretch in the morning – whatever makes you feel strong and connected to yourself. Your body is not the problem. The pressure to change it is.
5. Make low-key plans
Not every hangout has to be a big deal. Ask a friend over for a takeaway night. Go to the beach for an hour. Start a shared playlist with your group chat. Sometimes small things can make you feel way more connected.
6. Talk about it
Chances are, someone else is feeling the exact same way. Be honest with a friend. Tell your mam. Even journalling it out helps. Just saying “I feel a bit off” can be a huge relief.
What I Wish I Knew Then:
I used to think I was the only one who didn’t love summer. But now I know that loads of people feel a little lost when the structure of school is gone and life slows down. You are not behind. You are not boring. And you are not the only one who feels this way.
It’s okay to take the pressure off. Do what makes you feel good – not what looks good online. Your summer doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. You’re doing just fine.
P.S. If you’re feeling low and it’s not shifting, it’s always okay to talk to someone you trust or reach out for support. You’re never alone – even if it feels like it.
Let us know in the comments on Insta: What’s one thing you’re doing this summer just for you?