The longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures of summer are looked forward to by most, but summer can bring on its own set of stressors. I often hear people express both happiness and trepidation about the change of season. Remember to take a deep breath when your emotions heat up. Here’s a list of seven potential summer stressors and some ways to think consciously so you can stay cool when your emotions heat up this summer.
1. Weather
Tempers can flare along with the temperature. Heat can bring on lethargy. It may be difficult to feel energized to get the work done.
Think: Slow Down. Recognize you may feel tired or a little sluggish. That’s normal; don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, give yourself permission to slow down and take breaks!
2. More traffic
Longer daylight hours mean more people out on the road. The streets and freeways are crowded with more tourists and travelers. Drivers can be irritable and quick-tempered; it takes longer to get places.
Think: Delays are Delightful. Allow more time for your trips. Have books on tape or games for the kids to keep them and yourself entertained when traffic delays occur. Or just, turn off the radio, breathe deeply, and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
3. Kids home from school
If your children have summer off from school, you may face daycare situations or having the kids home alone. Plus, there are more activities, ballgames, swimming, camps; all that running around can create more stress.
Think: Personal Pamper Time. More time with your kids is great, but it is not always relaxing. It is still important to have personal time for you. Arrange for a massage or take a cat nap. Make sure you still plan time for you to relax.
4. Vacations
As much as vacations are stress reducers, they’re also stress inducers. The planning, the packing, the traveling itself. Being away from home, away from familiar surroundings, and re-entry when you return home can all be stressful; not to mention the cost of vacations. Whether you visit family or they visit you, stress is packed in someone’s suitcase.
Think: Fun not Perfection. Plan for the fun, but be careful not to fantasize about the “perfect” vacation. Find joy in all the experiences…even the frustrating ones, and be grateful you have the opportunity to be on the trip you planned.
5. Changes at Work
More people on vacation may mean more work for you. Or when you take vacation, there’s work to do before you leave and more to catch up on when you return. Summertime can be the slow time for some businesses, so it can affect income. It can also mean more work for some seasonal businesses. Either way, stress can result.
Think: Temporary not Permanent. Remind yourself the shift at work is temporary, not a permanent condition; this, too, shall pass.
6. More home chores
Seems like the number of home projects increases directly with the length of daylight hours. Whether it’s keeping the lawn looking great, maintaining the house, or starting a refurbishing project, stress can result.
Think: Quality Time and Family Fun! Chores don’t have to carry a negative theme. Change the tone of chores by making it a fun time to interact with the family without electronics. Work in the yard and then have a cook out or pizza! Create a fun element with the chores.
7. More activities to choose from
There are more leisure activities available in the summer time, more choices to make, more money to spend and more planning to do--all this can cause stress. More leisure time may mean you’re busier than ever.
Think: Keep it Simple. Sometimes, you fall victim to trying to do it all. If you’re falling into this pattern, ask yourself what is simple and easy; you don’t need to do it all.
If you want more support in managing your stress this summer, check out my Distress Less program. It is short, simple, and loaded with great techniques for managing your stress. You can listen to it while you’re driving!
Remember, learn to cultivate an appreciation for each day; both the fun and the frustrations of the summer, and you will experience more peace of mind. Enjoy your summer!
Dedicated to raising your consciousness!
Author’s content used under license, © 2010 Claire Communications
