August Anxiety. Sunscreen vs. School Bells

This time of year, I feel a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, summer is in full swing. The flowers are thriving, temperatures still soar, and there’s lots of daylight to enjoy.

Then there’s the other hand. School supplies are on sale everywhere. Families are sneaking in that last vacation or day at the beach before the school bus shows up (for some) next week.

If you have school-age children at home, I’m guessing you are right here with me. Although my boys are grown and I no longer must get them ready to go back to school, the nostalgia of those days hits me every year. 

From my own childhood, I recall getting to shop for the just-right lunch box, book bag, a slew of No.2 pencils, big soft erasers, notebooks, and saddle shoes. I loved this time of year.

Still do.

I shop the back-to-school aisles. Just this week I had to stock up on wide-rule notebooks and, have so far, managed to resist buying fun colored gel pens and highlighters.

There’s still time.

If you happen to be dealing with some mood or emotional shifts, here are some tips to help you—and me–enjoy the transition.

Mood & Emotional Support Tips for the August “In-Between”

Acknowledge the Weirdness
Simply recognizing that this season can feel emotionally off—even if you don’t have school-aged kids—is validating. You’re responding to a subtle but real shift in energy, routines, and social cues.

Stick to a Simple Morning Routine
Having a consistent start to your day (even just 10–15 minutes) can create a sense of grounding when everything else feels in flux. A glass of lemon water, a short walk, writing morning pages, meditating, or stretching can set a calmer tone. Choose what feels right for you.

Limit Over-Scheduling
With calendars filling up again, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself permission to say no or keep a couple evenings unscheduled to preserve that summer spaciousness.

Get Some Morning Light
Early morning light exposure helps reset your circadian rhythm, boosts serotonin levels and supports better sleep—key factors in managing mood, anxiety, and energy during seasonal transitions.

Keep Moving but Keep It Gentle
You might not feel like intense workouts when it’s hot or when your mood dips—and that’s okay. A short walk, light yoga, or dancing around the kitchen still gives your brain a dose of feel-good endorphins.

Enjoy the Little Things 
Small pleasures—like buying fresh peaches, walking barefoot in the grass, or catching a summer sunset—can lift your mood and anchor you in the present, instead of mourning the nearing end of summer.

Stay Hydrated & Eat Light When It’s Hot
You already know this, but it’s important. Dehydration can amplify fatigue and mood swings. So can heavy meals in hot weather. Think hydrating foods (melons, cucumbers), cool salads, or small meals more frequently to avoid energy crashes.

Protect Your Sleep
This is BIG: longer daylight can tempt us to stay up late, but earlier obligations (like back-to-work or school schedules) make it harder to catch up. Start winding down a bit earlier—even if it’s just by 15 minutes. Small, incremental changes add up.

Talk to a Friend
Knowing that time marches on for everyone can help ease the transition. We are social creatures and community is vital. Phone a friend or meet, even if it’s for a brief walk or coffee date.

Next week, we’ll talk about what to eat when it’s too hot to cook, how to hold onto those summer vibes without losing your footing, and small ways to feel more like yourself again—even when school buses are back on the roads.

Please drive carefully and keep an eye out for darting children.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“The first day of school is our second New Year’s. It is our day to make resolutions, to look backward to former lapses and triumphs and to look ahead, usually with a mix of anxiety and hope, to the year to come.”– Mark Edmundon