How to Beat Summer Stress

Summer gets some fantastic PR. The very word makes you think of lazy days by the pool, relaxed dining on a balmy evening, sunsets and spritzes, carefree drives in a sporty convertible with your hair blowing in the breeze.

Sadly, that’s not the reality for many of us, working away doing all the usual stuff we have to do in the (sometimes) blistering heat. The real truth is that summer burnout is real – and August might be draining you more than you realise. And, if you’re feeling more frazzled than fresh right now, you’re not alone. This time of year is usually anything but restful.

Let’s break this down, and work out what you can do about it…

Whether you’ve been ferrying kids around, juggling holidays with work, playing hostess, managing family dynamics, or just existing in 30-degree heat with zero patience, it’s a lot. Add the emotional rollercoaster of A-level and GCSE results, and you've got the perfect storm of stress, poor sleep, and emotional exhaustion.

This is summer burnout. And yes, it’s a real thing.

Why summer is so stressful

Here’s what might be going on behind the scenes:

• You're out of routine - which sounds fun until your blood sugar crashes mid-afternoon and you find yourself mainlining biscuits.
• Sleep is worse - longer daylight, hot bedrooms, noisy holidays and general chaos often mean poor quality rest.
• More alcohol, caffeine or sugary treats - all of which mess with energy, mood and gut health.
• More people time - even the most social butterflies get depleted with constant family time, hosting, or just always being “on”.

If you’re waking up tired, snapping at loved ones, craving carbs like mad, or just feeling off, that’s your body waving a little white flag.

What your body needs right now

Let’s not pretend you’re about to overhaul your diet, book a yoga retreat and start journalling daily. (Lovely idea, but… life.) Instead, let’s look at a few ways to ease the pressure and gently top your tank back up. 

You might be thinking of stress as the inevitable result of a big life event like a house move, divorce or bereavement, but even the steady drip of everyday life is enough. Stress can also be caused by your diet, lack of sleep, environmental toxins - and more. Even winning the lottery can cause stress! Then there’s your physical environment - like summer heat… 

So here are some of the ways you can start to redress the balance. 

1. Rehydrate like you mean it

You’re probably more dehydrated than you think, especially if the wine’s been flowing. Aim for 2L-3L water a day, plus herbal teas and hydrating foods like cucumbers, melon, berries and leafy greens. 

Add a pinch of sea salt or electrolyte drops if you need more support.

2. Bring back rhythm

Your body loves routine, not to be boring, but because it supports your hormones, energy and mood. Try:

• Eating at regular times again (especially breakfast)
• Going to bed and getting up around the same time (even at the weekend)
• Keeping screen time in check before bed (that means stopping the doom scrolling to wind down in the evening)

3. Balance your plate

Focus on meals that are rich in:

• Protein - chicken, meat, fish, eggs, tofu, lentils, Greek yoghurt, nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats - olive oil, avocado, nuts
• Fibre - veggies, fruit, wholegrains, beans

This combo helps stabilise blood sugar, which means fewer energy dips, mood swings, and snack attacks.

4. Say no (to stuff that drains you)

This one really is the gold. The summer calendar can get pretty packed with weddings, parties and other events as people take advantage of the good weather. 

You don’t have to say yes to every BBQ, day trip or family drama. Boundaries are health-giving. Permission granted. 

5. Get outside (especially in the morning)

There are a multitude of benefits to being outside. For the purposes of dialling down stress and getting better sleep at night, getting outside in the morning is important. 

Even a quick walk in the daylight can help reset your circadian rhythm, that’s the daily rhythm your body is programmed to follow: lots of energy in the morning kickstarted by light, then your stress hormones gradually falling away as the day goes on and the sun goes down. 

6. Magnesium is your friend

If anxiety or overwhelm is bubbling, magnesium-rich foods can help: think leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate (yes, really), nuts and wholegrains. 

Magnesium is a mineral our bodies need a lot of since it is involved in so many roles in the body. Stress and sleep are two of the biggies, so you’ll want to make sure you’re having enough. 

Getting started

You are the expert in being you, so you are best placed to choose where to start. If you’re flagging right now, that’s common but you can do something about it. It’s OK to feel flat after weeks of “summer fun”. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, just that your body needs a bit of love.

Now’s a great time to take a breath, check in with what you need, and gently start getting back to what makes you feel good. Not perfect. Just better. And if you’d like some extra support, why not get in touch?