Deploy Folding Table of contents
With the approach of the summer months, many of us are looking forward to sunny days, warm nights, and days spent outdoors. But for some of us, the anticipation of summer can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and dread. When we’re too ready for summer, it can be detrimental to our wellbeing.
Unprepared for Summer’s Demands?
The expectations of summer can be high. With all the barbecues, beach days, and family trips, it can be easy to focus on what we think we should be doing. But summer can be overwhelming and can require more of our energy, both physical and emotional, than we may have anticipated. If we’re not prepared for the demands of summer, it can quickly become a source of stress.
The Negative Side of Anticipation
When we become too excited for summer, our expectations can become unrealistic. Rather than being focused on what we can get out of our summer experiences, we can become overly concerned with what we think we should be doing. We can forget to acknowledge the needs of our body, as well as our mental health. We can also forget to take breaks and recharge our energy levels.
Too Much Too Soon?
When we become too focused on our summer plans, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the thought of having to do too much too soon. We may put too much pressure on ourselves to make our summer as perfect as possible, forgetting to enjoy the present moment. We may also become fixated on the idea that missing out on certain experiences will make our summer incomplete.
Mitigating The Effects of Seasonal Anxiety
It is important to remember that summer is a season of relaxation and enjoyment. Instead of dwelling on our plans or the things we think we should be doing, it is important to remember to take care of ourselves. We should be aware of our limitations and be willing to adjust our expectations accordingly. We can also focus on being present in the moment and enjoying the summer for what it is.
Turning Your Expectations into Reality
If we take the time to plan ahead, we can turn our expectations into reality without feeling overwhelmed. We can start by making a list of the things we want to do, rather than the things we think we should be doing. This can help us to make sure we are taking care of our needs and allowing ourselves to be present in the moment. We should also be aware of our emotional and physical boundaries, and adjust our plans accordingly.
Being too ready for summer can be detrimental to our wellbeing. But by being mindful of our expectations, taking care of our needs, and focusing on being present in the moment, we can turn our summer dreams into reality and make the most of the season.
Conclusion
Summer is the season of joy and fun, but it can also be a source of anxiety and stress when our expectations become too high. Being mindful of our limitations, understanding our needs, and focusing on being present in the moment are important steps to enjoying summer and making the most of it. With some preparation and self-care, we can turn our summer dreams into reality without feeling overwhelmed.
Sources
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne
- The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns
- The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay and Jeffrey Wood
