The end of August doesn't have to mean the end of a summer mindset, as we explore the ways in which you can hold onto a sunny disposition.

Annabel Benton

The end of August doesn’t have to mean the end of a summer mindset, as we explore the ways in which you can hold onto a sunny disposition.

August, the month of salt air and the rust on your door, in the words of Taylor Swift. And, unfortunately, the final month of summer. As we head into September, the change in seasons often means a return to school, work, university, and the general chaos of daily life.

The summer sun boost moods and increases happiness levels, to the extent that leaving behind longer, brighter days can be daunting. Lighter evenings, surplus vitamin D, and the sunny serotonin begin to decline as we move into September, alongside the additional responsibilities that the end of summer entails.

Yet, there are still ways to hold onto the positive summertime vibes. Here are a few suggestions for retaining a summer state of mind, even as autumn begins to set in.

Rework your schedule

Summer is often the prime time for trying out new hobbies, yet the resumption of daily routines can mean that we discard our newfound love of outdoor exercising, cooking, or knitting. Setting aside an hour each week to pursue a new hobby, read a book, or just relax will help to fend off the post-summer blues.

“Try to check in with how you’re feeling, and carve out time to chill.”

For many, summer is synonymous with the holiday season, and the knowledge that you won’t be jet-setting off into the sun for the foreseeable future can make the colder weather even more miserable. Yet, just because the summer holidays are over doesn’t have to mean that we can’t still take time to relax. Try to check in with how you’re feeling, and carve out time to chill. Or, take a moment to explore the area you live in – day trips can be just as much of a reset as a week by the pool!

Keep Going Outside

Even as the days continue to get colder and shorter, it’s important to continue the benefits of getting outdoors. Small changes such as trading driving for walking or cycling will ensure that you get some vital fresh air. Equally, the fleeting hot weather shouldn’t be a get out clause for exercise. Consider joining a sports club or society; the group element might provide some motivation to get out of bed on those colder mornings.

“Asking friends to grab a hot drink and go for a walk can be a great excuse to get your steps in”

Crisp, sunny autumn days can be just as lovely as the summer sun, so make the most of them when they come around. Asking friends to grab a hot drink and go for a walk can be a great excuse to get your steps in whenever the rain lets up, and is also a good swap for the picnics and barbecues of summer. Spending time in nature and noticing the different autumn colours will mean that you continue to get outdoors and improve your mental and physical health.

Maintain Your Friendships

Summer is often a time of increased social interaction, as we become are more laid back and find more opportunity to meet up outdoors. In the subsequent months, it can be harder to get outside and friends are often harder to get hold of from September. Making the effort to stay connected is still really important. Don’t be deterred by the weather changing; take this time as a chance to explore new indoor meeting places, such as cafés, bars, and restaurants.

The return to routine might also bring about the perfect opportunity to meet new people, especially if you’re heading for a fresh start at a new job or school. Make friendships your new priority at a time when we’re all missing spontaneous summer plans.

Embrace seasonal change

Just as we celebrate summer for its warmth, try to find the joy in autumn and the change in routine that the seasons offer. By leaning into the stereotypes, you could cosy up with a hot drink while reading a good book – bonus points if you do so by a crackling fire.

“finding joy in the cosiness of autumn is a must for keeping hold of sunny happiness”

You can also find some inspiration for the autumn aesthetic, and I would really recommend a watch, or re-watch, of Gilmore Girls to get you in the mood. Positivity really is a mindset, so finding joy in the cosiness of autumn is a must for keeping hold of sunny happiness. Noticing the changes around you and practicing gratitude for the new opportunities that later months bring is just as productive as upholding with your summer habits.

Set new goals

Continue to explore and find new projects to work on. Summer ending doesn’t have to mean the end of your productivity, and giving ourselves things to work towards can vastly improve our mental health. Even if you are heading back into the chaos of school, university, or the workplace, consider using September as a month to restart.

Taking the end of summer as an alternative New Year allows us to realign our goals and daily habits, and think about what we’ve learnt over the months just gone. The back-to-school mood doesn’t have to end even if you’re not technically going back to school, and it’s always worthwhile taking the time to reflect, reset, and move forward into the new month.

So, try to use the end of August as a time to reflect on the things you have enjoyed over the past few months, and think of ways to bring happiness into your autumn routines. August slipping away doesn’t have to be negative. Hold onto the summer memories whilst embracing the changes around you.

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Featured image courtesy of Nicolas Picard on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Annabel (she/her) is a BA English Literature student at the University of Manchester. She enjoys writing about student life, culture, and music.

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