Avoid the SUMMER BLUES

Is your easy-breezy holiday mood hard to come by? Seasonal sadness doesn't only happen in winter

-  ALI HORSFALL

Feeling low, but not sure why? Gloominess can hit hard in the height of summer - especially as we think there should be more to smile about on sunny days and with holidays approaching.

'The reality is we can feel down at any time,' says wellbeing coach Becky Hall*.

'Feeling flat when you perceive everyone else to be having fun can make things worse, but you're not alone if you struggle with the summer blues.' Try these tips to help yourself feel lighter and brighter.

Share how you feel

Do you put on a brave face and carry on with your summer plans? It might help to confide in others. ‘Let those close to you know how you are and tell them what you need,’ says psychotherapist Petra Velzeboer. ‘Nurturing a support network of up to five people means you have back-up when you’re low and you don’t have to keep things inside.’

Quit comparing

Think you’re the only one not having a blast? ‘Sunshine doesn’t always make everyone happy, even though it can seem that way,’ says Becky. ‘Notice when you’re making assumptions about how others are feeling and remind yourself that these are just stories we conjure up in our heads.’

Instead of drawing comparisons with others, ask yourself, ‘What am I grateful for this summer?’ suggests Becky. ‘Gratitude is an emotion that quickly produces our “feel-good” hormone serotonin, which is a natural mood enhancer.’

Reframe your thoughts