Summer is supposed to be relaxing… but is it actually wearing you out?

Between family vacations, cookouts, long weekends, childcare chaos, social obligations, and the pressure to make every sunny day “count,” it’s easy to find yourself overbooked, overstimulated, and totally burned out.

This time of year, hustle culture doesn’t always look like back-to-back meetings—it can manifest as endless activity disguised as fun.

And the worst part? You might not realize how exhausted you are… until your body forces you to stop.

Summer Burnout: It’s a Real Thing

We often associate burnout with cold, dark winters or high-pressure work deadlines. But summer burnout is just as real, especially when your calendar is full of “shoulds” instead of rest.

Here’s how it creeps in:

• You overcommit to events because “it’s summer and you should enjoy it.”

• You feel guilty saying no to social invites or kid activities.

• You juggle work with disrupted routines (thanks, summer break).

• You don’t get quality sleep due to heat, travel, or late sunsets.

• You ignore your need to recover because "this season won't last forever."

The result? You start August more tired than you were in May.

Sneaky Signs You’re Doing Too Much

Not sure if you’re riding the burnout wave? Watch for these signs:

• You feel “off” but can’t explain why

• Your energy crashes mid-afternoon, even with coffee

• You're easily irritated or unmotivated

• Your sleep is restless, even when you’re in bed early

• You dread plans that used to excite you

• You catch yourself fantasizing about being alone in silence

Burnout doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it just whispers, “Please stop.”

The Fix: More Recovery, Less Guilt

Here’s the truth: rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement for long-term well-being.

To cool the burnout before it boils over, try these:

1. Protect Unscheduled Time - Leave pockets in your calendar. Just because you’re free doesn’t mean you’re available.

2. Unplug to Actually Recharge - Take a day (or even an hour) without notifications. Let your brain rest from inputs.

3. Say No Without Apology - No is a full sentence. You don’t have to earn your rest or justify your downtime.

4. Check Your Nervous System, Not Just Your Calendar - Ask yourself: Am I operating from pressure or peace today? Adjust accordingly.

5. Get Curious About Your Stress Level - Awareness is the first step. That’s why we created a simple tool to help…

Take the Summer Stress Assessment

Not sure how close you are to the burnout cliff?

Take our free Life Force Summer Stress Assessment and find out.
It only takes a few minutes—and it might be the wake-up call (or sigh of relief) you need.

👉Click here to take the assessment.

You’ll get:
✅ A quick score
✅ A breakdown of your current stress level
✅ Taking action takes awareness first