As Labor Day approaches and the long, relaxing days of summer wind down, you might be wondering how to make the most of your waning freedom. Whether you’re headed back to school or not, the end-of-summer blues tend to hit us all pretty hard. It’s understandable. After all, we tend to associate the last few weeks of summer with finality, a morose feeling left over from our school days and most heavily felt by those who are prone to mood disorders.
For those who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mild form of depression typically occurring during the autumn and winter months when there is less sunlight, the shortening days can bring more than simple wistfulness. It can actually make you depressed. For people with this condition, the colder months disrupt their productivity by making it harder to get out of bed in the morning. August may be the “Sunday of the summer,” but here are a few ways to say goodbye to a fantastic couple of months without feeling too blue.
Indulge in some retail therapy
Every woman knows the endorphin rush that comes right after buying a brand new sundress or spending the day at a fine jewelry store. Although the temptation to buy is usually the strongest when summer is in full swing, purchases made during the season’s prime are typically not very financially savvy. It actually pays to hold off and invest in next summer’s wardrobe at the end of the season, when “everything must go” sales start cropping up in all of your favorite local boutiques. Browse the stores with your friends and snag some great end-of-summer deals, or hit up Goodwill for some thrifted brand name finds. You’ll start to feel better about the end of summer because you’ll be looking forward to next year, all while appreciating the money you’ve saved!
With the increasing prevalence of credit cards, social media, and one-stop shopping, online dress boutiques have become uniquely popular amongst millennials and Generation Z, who have figured out how to look stylish on a budget. Many young women have found ways to capitalize on their trendy looks by showcasing them on their blogs and social media profiles. But even if you don’t understand the Instagram world, you can still find affordable, sustainable, and super cute clothing brands online. Online boutiques aren’t the only place you can shop, either; you can find lots of lightly used goods on Depop and Etsy.
Throw a patio party
Is there anything trendier than a patio party, complete with string lights and the sound of cicadas in the distance? Whether you live in an urban or rural area, you can set the tone for a great summer evening with a bit of mood lighting, aesthetically pleasing floral arrangements, and naturally, some delicious cocktails. Go the extra mile and get a new hairdo at the hair salon then gather all of your closest friends to celebrate the end of summer in style. You can also show off the moves you learned at the dance center and the peaceful knowledge that you will always have your memories of this summer.
If you want to ensure your party is totally unforgettable, you’ll need to prepare some truly unique drinks. Not a mixologist? You don’t need to be an expert to amplify your favorite treats or add a slight edge to what you know and love. For instance, instead of simply pouring a simple rosé, try creating a refreshing blush-colored cocktail with the classic wine as its basis, such as lavender rosé lemonade or rosé Vermouth spritzer.
The end of summer blues may be inevitable. But instead of focusing on something out of your control, shift your perspective and make the last few weeks of summer the best weeks of the season!