Booked, Busy & Burnt Out: Summer Wellness Check In
We back outside! Summer is in full gear and we here for it. The group chats have been poppin’ off, and the “yes” energy is giving Oprah. Flights? Booked. Brunches? Can’t stop, won’t stop. Social battery? On E? Many of us are feeling a sense of excitement for hot weather, increased vitamin D and melaninated complexions from the sun rays. However, you might be experiencing a mix of hype and anxiety along with feelin’ worn out and dead. That’s your nervous system tryna talk back.
The anxiousness you may feel is a hyperarousal state. Hyperarousal is when your body and brain stay on “go” mode, constantly on edge even when there’s no reason to be, and overall tension. Think, “We knuckin’, we buckin’, we ready to fight,” as Crime Mob would say. If you stay hyped too long without resting, your body crashes like a computer. This crash is known as hypoarousal, the opposite of hyper, when your brain and body slow down to protect you. Not in a “Bobby Valentino is tryna holla” type of way, but more like your internal system is shutting down from overwhelm. You feel numb, disconnected, and fatigued. So how do you protect your peace and still stay in the streets? We moderatiiiiin’... and we balanciiiin’.
MODERATION: Moderation is simply not overdoing it, whether it’s social drinking, social media, or social plans. Research shows that keeping social media use under 30 minutes a day can decrease depression and loneliness. If you’re scrolling 3–4 hours (no shade, me too), try cutting it by 30 minutes and see what happens. That’s moderation. Same goes for your calendar. Instead of saying “yes” to every invite, try choosing 2–3 events per week. Say yes to what is giving the vibes that truly aligns with your energy, not just doing things because it looks good on the ‘Gram.
BALANCE: When I think of balance I think about harmony in different parts of your life—fun, rest, responsibilities, movement, and nourishment- you name it! It’s about creating flow. For instance, you can work your 9–5 and enjoy the fruits of your labor in harmony. Go for that walk during those extended summer evenings, throw something on the grill with friends (throw some veggies on there too), or read an actual paper book (not your phone) outside. Weekends can be for sleeping in and doing some adulting before meeting up with the fam or heading to the pool party where you may or may not choose to swim. You're also hydrating (especially before and after them mimosas at brunch), getting 8 hours of sleep or maybe 7 after a late night, checking your bank account to see if you can actually afford to pop up at the Beyonce concert, and eating more than chips and salsa or hot cheetos. Fun is still being had while maintaining balance.
Summer can be joyful and still feel grounded. Rest is a necessary, not a reward. Stay wise and protect your energy so that you can provide the good vibes at the cook out. Remember to check in with yourself before you RSVP “yes.” Say it with me, “We moderatiiiiin’... and we balanciiiin’.”
