Summer was supposed to feel like the reward.
The exhale.
The great ahhhh after months of gray skies, school lunches, tax season, and squeezing your vitamin D from a Costco bottle.
And yet?
Somehow it’s mid-summer and you feel like a slightly more tan version of your usual overwhelmed self… but with more sweat and 15 competing BBQ invites you forgot to RSVP to.
You’re not alone.
Summer exhaustion is real—and especially here in Sacramento, where the days are long, the heat is intense, and the “fun” sometimes feels more like another full-time job.
Summer Burnout Is a Thing (Yes, Even Without Zoom Calls)
We tend to associate burnout with winter.
You know the drill: too much work, not enough sun, too many carbs.
But summer burnout hits differently.
It looks like:
- Overcommitted weekends
- Hosting things you didn’t want to host
- Shuttling kids to “fun” activities while dreaming of silence
- Wondering when exactly you’re supposed to be relaxed
And all of this in 100-degree heat with a “cooling” bill that makes you want to cry.
Sacramento’s Summer Pressure Cooker
In Sacramento, summer comes in hot—literally and emotionally.
The city hums with farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts, pool parties, river floats, and patio dining.
It’s gorgeous. It’s vibrant. It’s nonstop.
Which means if you’re not doing something “fun,” it can start to feel like you’re falling behind.
(We see you, Instagram.)
You feel pressure to:
- Upgrade the backyard
- Grill something photogenic
- Take a vacation
- Be more “present”
- But also more productive
- And definitely “stay cool” while doing it
That’s… a lot.
Why Summer Doesn’t Automatically Feel Relaxing
Here’s why summer doesn’t always deliver on the promise of rest:
1. We Pack It Too Full
Because the days are longer, we assume we have more time.
We don’t.
We just overbook and get sunburned doing it.
2. The “Should” Monster Takes Over
“I should go to the beach.”
“I should host that BBQ.”
“I should organize the garage.”
“I should finally get around to that bathroom remodel.”
All valid. None restful.
3. There’s No Routine Anchor
When you’re out of school-year structure or standard work rhythms, it’s easy to feel unmoored.
Routine = stability. Summer often lacks that, which can feel quietly chaotic.
4. The Heat Is Real, and It’s Not Helping
Studies show heat impacts mood, sleep, patience, and energy levels.
And Sacramento heat? It does not mess around.
If you’re feeling sluggish, irritable, or drained—blame the 98-degree sidewalk and your HVAC bill.
Signs You Might Be Summer Burned Out
- You secretly dread weekends because they’re too full
- You feel guilty for not “enjoying” summer more
- You keep saying “we should plan something” but don’t
- You’re more tired now than you were in May
Sound familiar? Welcome to the club. Let’s talk about what to do next.
How to Reset (Without Canceling Summer)
No, you don’t need to run away to the mountains and meditate in a yurt.
Here’s how to reclaim your peace—and maybe even actually enjoy summer again:
1. Embrace “Micro-Rest”
Instead of trying to carve out an entire week off, aim for small, intentional resets:
- Sit on the patio with no phone for 10 minutes
- Go tech-free for one hour a day
- Take a walk without a podcast in your ears
- Say “no” to the third invitation this weekend and don’t apologize
Tiny breaks > trying to create the perfect vacation moment
2. Do Less—But More Meaningfully
Instead of hitting every summer event in Sacramento, pick one or two things you actually want to do.
- Midtown Farmers Market? Great.
- River tubing in Coloma? Even better.
- Dragging yourself to a block party out of guilt? Pass.
Summer joy isn’t about volume. It’s about connection.
3. Reclaim Home as a Place of Rest
Instead of making your home “summer party HQ,” lean into calm.
- Swap harsh lights for warm bulbs
- Add fans to create airflow and sound
- Declutter just one room
- Light a candle that smells like vacation (minus the plane ticket)
When your home feels more peaceful, so do you.
4. Take the Pressure Off “Fun”
Not every meal needs to be grilled.
Not every weekend needs a theme.
Not every moment needs to be documented.
Let simple things be enough:
- A walk at twilight
- Watermelon slices at the counter
- A drive with the windows down and music up
That is the vibe.
Summer, Reimagined
Here’s what summer can be:
- Slower
- Softer
- Sunnier (in your spirit, not just your lawn)
- Less performative
- More connected
No one needs another “Summer Bucket List.”
What we need is space. Breath. Grace. And the freedom to enjoy this season on our own terms.
Your July To-Don’t List
Let’s make one together:
- ❌ You don’t have to say yes to everything
- ❌ You don’t have to finish the backyard reno
- ❌ You don’t have to pretend you like camping
- ❌ You don’t have to organize the garage unless you want to
- ❌ You don’t have to “make the most” of anything
What you do need?
- A good fan
- A drink with ice
- And a reminder that rest is productive, too.
If you want better sleep, check out our post here!!
