My one take away from business school / operations was that the best systems aren't running at 100% capacity- they're running at 80%. They intentionally leave room for maintenance, variation, and the unexpected. running at full capacity all the time eventually reduces performance. I think about that a lot in the summer!
And most oldest daughter type people actually run at something like 120% capacity. So even coming down to 100% feels like slacking. The intense guilt of downtime or pleasure time is real. Reading is my only way to have downtime and I suspect it’s because my brain is still engaged and constructing internal worlds, only then can my body relax.
You are not alone, Grace. I’m also in the South and completely, miserably, unbearably sweltering. I’d never heard it put that way (reverse SAD), but I think you’re on to something. I know as soon as there’s a slight brisk in the air my energy will perk back up, but for now….sending cooling thoughts!
I am experiencing the same malaise but mostly due to medical issues. Having to skip a girl’s trip due to not feeling well is NO fun. 2 emergency room visits is awful. However, in between there has been a ton of reading,(only books from Grace’s library, lots of needlepoint, a couple chest of drawers organized). Many years ago I realized July was my least favorite month of the year and this one has been the pits. I feel guilty being so unproductive. On a positive note, I am feeling better but don’t have tons of energy so I will enjoy the malaise a bit longer. After all Grace, is practicing this it must be ok. Grace, you still have produced during the down time-so you still are a hero in my book.
I, too, live in the Deep South. I’ve always compared our summers to what I imagine harsh winters must be like up north. You hibernate inside waiting for better weather to arrive. Until that fall weather arrives, the kids and I will be hanging out in the pool and eating popsicles.
I'm so glad you named this reverse SAD. I'm in Norfolk VA with a similar 115% humidity in July, coastal climate. There's a break in the weather today, and being able to have a chill morning on the patio is a reverse-SAD vibe shift for sure. Interestingly, I experienced this feeling when I lived in Seattle as well though the summers are basically 100% perfect (or they were then, when fires were more rare and the temp rarely broke 80 with low humidity). There was so much perceived pressure to be out enjoying the glory because the gloom was coming. It was overwhelming. So perhaps its a lack of balance. In any case, I've been happy about my life but also a bit down about not wanting to be out in the world doing things as I "should" be doing in summertime. Love the Parker Thatch pony hair bucket, too.
Only child daughter here and I think I have this too. Most of the time, overwhelmed, striving, everything at once, sprinting in all directions. And once a season— I’m sure all my ideas went to die, all I want to do is sit on the couch with a cat (or two), and eat Bon Bon Shoppe out of a big tupperware. I think the body sometimes insists on the break we insist we don’t need. Eat those peaches like an animal - it makes me cheer. 😘
This is me this week! My husband reassured me that I get this way for a week or two every summer. I’m glad I’m not alone, this post really resonates with me.
Also finished reading London Falling this week! What a wild ride! Loved it.
Same! My doctor actually told me recently that a lot of people with SAD have a pretty hard week or two in June (and March) - both of which totally track for me.
Truly felt like living in hell this week in the South. I was so excited to take a long shower on Tuesday but that just made me feel hot again. We got a break in Tennessee yesterday, and it is a glorious 81 degrees today. Hang in there!
Hand raised here, too! I get Lana del Ray's Summertime Sadness every few years. Also leaning in and giving myself permission to rest rather than feel guilty and/or try to fix it.
I so feel all of this. I'm in Georgia and I am envious of your pool right now. I have no motivation from all of this humidity, and no desire to dress cute or do my hair. It's just hot! Enjoy the down time and we'll look forward to fall. :)
My one take away from business school / operations was that the best systems aren't running at 100% capacity- they're running at 80%. They intentionally leave room for maintenance, variation, and the unexpected. running at full capacity all the time eventually reduces performance. I think about that a lot in the summer!
Love this, well put.
Such a great point from a fellow MBA grad
And most oldest daughter type people actually run at something like 120% capacity. So even coming down to 100% feels like slacking. The intense guilt of downtime or pleasure time is real. Reading is my only way to have downtime and I suspect it’s because my brain is still engaged and constructing internal worlds, only then can my body relax.
omg I feel the exact same way about reading!!!!!
THANK YOU!
this is so helpful!!! Thank you!
You are not alone, Grace. I’m also in the South and completely, miserably, unbearably sweltering. I’d never heard it put that way (reverse SAD), but I think you’re on to something. I know as soon as there’s a slight brisk in the air my energy will perk back up, but for now….sending cooling thoughts!
Sending them back your way!!!!
I am experiencing the same malaise but mostly due to medical issues. Having to skip a girl’s trip due to not feeling well is NO fun. 2 emergency room visits is awful. However, in between there has been a ton of reading,(only books from Grace’s library, lots of needlepoint, a couple chest of drawers organized). Many years ago I realized July was my least favorite month of the year and this one has been the pits. I feel guilty being so unproductive. On a positive note, I am feeling better but don’t have tons of energy so I will enjoy the malaise a bit longer. After all Grace, is practicing this it must be ok. Grace, you still have produced during the down time-so you still are a hero in my book.
Aw, I’m so sorry that you had to skip your trip, and for the medical emergencies. Sending healing vibes your way.
I, too, live in the Deep South. I’ve always compared our summers to what I imagine harsh winters must be like up north. You hibernate inside waiting for better weather to arrive. Until that fall weather arrives, the kids and I will be hanging out in the pool and eating popsicles.
Having done both, you hit the nail on the head!!!!
Good to know I was correct 😁
The lull is real. Feeling the same at the moment 🫠🫠
i’m glad i’m not alone! xo!
I'm so glad you named this reverse SAD. I'm in Norfolk VA with a similar 115% humidity in July, coastal climate. There's a break in the weather today, and being able to have a chill morning on the patio is a reverse-SAD vibe shift for sure. Interestingly, I experienced this feeling when I lived in Seattle as well though the summers are basically 100% perfect (or they were then, when fires were more rare and the temp rarely broke 80 with low humidity). There was so much perceived pressure to be out enjoying the glory because the gloom was coming. It was overwhelming. So perhaps its a lack of balance. In any case, I've been happy about my life but also a bit down about not wanting to be out in the world doing things as I "should" be doing in summertime. Love the Parker Thatch pony hair bucket, too.
I feel that same way, thinking I “should” be out in the world. But it’s kind of nice to be a bit of a recluse!
Only child daughter here and I think I have this too. Most of the time, overwhelmed, striving, everything at once, sprinting in all directions. And once a season— I’m sure all my ideas went to die, all I want to do is sit on the couch with a cat (or two), and eat Bon Bon Shoppe out of a big tupperware. I think the body sometimes insists on the break we insist we don’t need. Eat those peaches like an animal - it makes me cheer. 😘
Eldests and onlies are so similar from all I know!!!! The couch with two cats and BonBon is the very best best!!!! Xoxox
This is me this week! My husband reassured me that I get this way for a week or two every summer. I’m glad I’m not alone, this post really resonates with me.
Also finished reading London Falling this week! What a wild ride! Loved it.
I’m so glad you relate! And yes truly — what a wild ride.
Same! My doctor actually told me recently that a lot of people with SAD have a pretty hard week or two in June (and March) - both of which totally track for me.
Reading, eating peaches, and going to bed early sounds dreamy! Do it while you can!🍑❤️
you’re so right! xx
Ily texting you
<3 <3 <3 we got this
Truly felt like living in hell this week in the South. I was so excited to take a long shower on Tuesday but that just made me feel hot again. We got a break in Tennessee yesterday, and it is a glorious 81 degrees today. Hang in there!
Haha I know, there is no escaping it! Hang in there!! Fall is coming!!!
Hand raised here, too! I get Lana del Ray's Summertime Sadness every few years. Also leaning in and giving myself permission to rest rather than feel guilty and/or try to fix it.
Permission to rest is such a hard thing to learn!
ok I love Emily Giffin but I thought her last book (the summer pact) was awful! please tell me you didn't like it?! And that this new one is better?!
Enjoyed this essay, always enjoy your essays!
I didn’t read that one, but I’ve read almost all of her others and loved them!
me too! just skip The Summer Pact to keep your love of EH in tact ;)
I mean, EG! Emily Giffin!
I loved this essay. I see you. Sounds like a season where an introvert gets to do her thing. Love it for you.
That’s a much better reframe! Thank you!
Eldest daughter reporting for duty! Gahhh I needed this. It’s been a rough few weeks and maybe I just need to zone out for a bit?!
I’m so glad it resonated. The comments section has made me feel less alone and like we are all going through it!
I so feel all of this. I'm in Georgia and I am envious of your pool right now. I have no motivation from all of this humidity, and no desire to dress cute or do my hair. It's just hot! Enjoy the down time and we'll look forward to fall. :)
I’m so glad it resonated!!