10 Ways to Beat the End-Of-Summer Blues

I’m sure you’ve heard, but the ‘Summer Blues’ are real. SAD, or ‘seasonal affective disorder,’ can affect up to 1 in 3 of us and it is certainly hitting particularly hard for me this year. As I write this, the rain hammering on the window of this cold café in the centre of London and just days after my return from a sunny holiday in Majorca, I’m thinking of all the ways I’m planning on looking on the bright side this Autumn – even when it’s not so bright outside.

1. Cold-Water Swimming

There is nothing I love more in Summer than a sea-swim, so perhaps this is the next best thing. Something a number of my friends absolutely swear by, cold-water swimming has been scientifically proven to boost your immune system, activate endorphins for that natural high, burn calories, reduce stress and is a great way to make friends when done in groups, like ‘The Bluetits.’

Find your local flock (like the one in Milton Keynes) here: https://thebluetits.co/

2. Reading a Good Book

Getting my nose into a good book is one of my favourite poolside activities, so why not do the same under a blanket this Winter? I’ve even managed to convince a couple of my friends to start up a monthly book club.

I recommend starting with ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ currently on offer at ‘The Works:’

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/contemporary-fiction-books/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo/9781398515697.html?CAWELAID=720011340002922326&utm_source=connexity&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_term=EAIaIQobChMIxf7f_IW1-gIVmLPtCh1j2ADjEAYYASABEgJIY_D_BwE

3. Binging a New Drama…

The colder months are the perfect time to binge a new series without feeling guilty for being an in-house hermit. I recently completed ‘Dahmer’ in 2 days and would highly recommend it if you’re a True Crime fanatic like me.

‘Dahmer’ is streaming now on Netflix

4. …or Revisit an Old Favourite

Hocus Pocus is one of my childhood favourites and, although Halloween is one of my least favourite holidays, the nostalgia is enough for me to look forward to spooky season.

Hocus Pocus is available on Disney+ (and Hocus Pocus 2 is available on Disney+ from 30^th September).

5. Shopping for Cosy Staples

Who says Christmas shopping has to be for somebody else? My favourite outfits always consist of cosy beanies, comfy hoodies and oversized blazers (that could’ve easily fitted my dad!)

Check out some seasonal fashion finds in Milton Keynes: https://www.centremk.com/ and Northampton: https://www.rushdenlakes.com/

6. Baking Up a Storm

Remember the baking boom that happened during Lockdown 1.0? I saw extraordinary amounts of banana bread all over my social media and I’m planning on bringing back the bakes this Autumn.

My favourite place to find seasonal baking recipes: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/

7. Spruce Up Your Home with Dried Flowers

I loved visiting some of the local sunflower fields (such as The Patch MK) for fresh flowers during the warmer months, but I’ll be swapping to predominantly dried flowers this Winter. Not only are they longer-lasting and omni-seasonal but, as I am prone to killing almost every live flower that enters my home pretty sharpish, I should be able to avoid that with a local and sustainably-grown dried bouquet.

Local grower/florist Nicola creates stunning bouquets and other arrangements – both fresh and dried: https://www.thistleroseflorals.co.uk/

8. Roast Dinners are in – BBQ’s are out

Does this one even need an argument? Roast dinners are truly heaven-sent and, frankly, I can’t wait for their return.

Find some incredible mega roasts at Nonna’s in Woburn Sands https://nonnaswoburnsands.co.uk/menus/milton-keynes-restaurants-nonnas/ or The Cross Keys in Great Woolstone  https://www.crosskeysmiltonkeynes.co.uk/food.html – or knock one up at home.

9. Walk Yourself Warmer
   As one of the few forms of exercise I thoroughly enjoy, walking doesn’t just have to be confined to the summertime – if you wrap up warm enough. I’m planning on finding some different local trails to explore over the next few months.

My favourite app to find walking trails, as well as those further afield: https://www.alltrails.com/

10. And, If All Else Fails

A fairly new phenomenon (that isn’t currently backed by too much science) is the concept of light therapy. ‘SAD’ lamps are said to cause a chemical change in the brain thus lifting your mood and easing other symptoms of the disorder, such as being tired and over-sleeping.

This one comes highly-rated from retail giant John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/beurer-tl-50-sad-therapy-light-white/p2611500?sku=235946407&s_ppc=2dx92700071707753261&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_LaKu4C1-gIVjd_tCh2ZKQzDEAQYASABEgKvT_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds