Test - From Burnout to Bliss: How to Balance Big Summer Energy with Self-Care

You’ve been waiting for this moment all year—longer days, poolside hangs, backyard BBQs, weekend getaways, and that big summer energy that makes everything feel possible.

But somewhere between the social plans and sun-chasing, your body’s saying: Hey, remember me?

If you’re feeling drained, cranky, or like your brain’s on vacation without you… you’re not alone. Summer should feel like bliss. However, we often push ourselves into summer fatigue without realizing it. That’s where summer self-care comes in.

Let’s dive into how you can navigate the high-energy vibes of the season without burning out—and enjoy the sunshine without crashing into exhaustion.

Why Summer Tiredness Is Real?

Despite the sunshine and serotonin, summer tiredness is a sneaky phenomenon. You feel like you should be energetic, joyful, and buzzing with excitement—but all you want is to nap in a dark room.

This seasonal slump can be caused by:

Overcommitting to plans (hello, weddings, parties, vacations)

Hot weather draining your energy

Disrupted sleep patterns thanks to longer daylight hours

Guilt around wasting summer days if you’re not doing something exciting

Add a demanding job, social media pressure, or parenting to the mix, and it’s no wonder you feel exhausted. But instead of powering through with iced coffee and sheer will, what if you chose rest as your rebellion?

Summer Burnout vs. Bliss: What’s the Difference?

Summer burnout feels like:

You’re on all the time but secretly running on empty

You cancel plans but feel guilty about it

Your skin feels warm but your soul feels fried

You say yes when you really need to say Not this time.

Summer bliss aka burnout self-care feels like:

You’re excited and well-rested

You can be social and protect your peace

You enjoy the moment without chasing the next

Your nervous system is chilled—not on high alert

So, how do you get from burnout to bliss?

Let’s start with your self-care game.

How To Self-Care When Burnt Out?

First things first: when you’re deeply exhausted, you don’t need another to-do list.

You need to reconnect with your baseline energy—that part of you that feels calm, capable, and whole. Here’s how you can do the summer self-care:

1. Cancel Without Explanation

If your body says no, trust it. You don’t owe anyone a reason for prioritizing your rest. One night in doesn’t make you boring—it makes you smart.

2. Switch from Should to Want

Instead of doing what summer should look like, ask yourself: What do I actually want right now?. Your bliss lives in that answer.

3. Create a Micro-Ritual

Try a 5-minute summer self-care ritual every morning:

Mist your face with rose water

Roll on an essential oil (lavender or peppermint)

Take 3 deep breaths

Set one kind intention for the day

No pressure. Just presence.

Best Essential Oils for Summer

Scents can transform your mood faster than scrolling through vacation pics. Here are self-care summer​ essential oils for summer that cool your system and lift your spirits:

Peppermint: Instantly refreshing and great for mental clarity

Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit): Bright, zesty, and mood-boosting

Lavender: Calming, especially during sticky, hot nights

Eucalyptus: Clears the mind and sinuses

Bergamot: Light floral-citrus that supports emotional balance

Pro Tip: Keep an essential oil rollerball in your bag for quick resets on-the-go. A few dabs on your wrists or temples = instant calm.

Need more grounding? Explore this self-care guide for men, because burnout doesn’t discriminate.

Your Summer Self-Care Toolkit

Self-care isn’t bubble baths and face masks (unless that’s your thing). It’s about choosing you every day. Here’s a summer-specific checklist that doesn’t take much but gives a lot:

Hydrate with electrolytes (not just water)

Wear loose, breathable clothes (comfort > trends)

Skip screens an hour before bed

Say yes to naps

Take breaks from the hustle (it’ll still be there later)

Use essential oils during your morning or night routine

Move your body with joy (not punishment)

And if you’re stuck behind a desk while summer’s calling your name? Don’t worry—we’ve got wellness tips for desk workers to help you feel better, wherever you are.

Self-Care Summer = Intentional Summer

What would happen if you romanticized rest as much as adventure?

Imagine this: you light a citrus-scented candle, slather on some aloe gel, play soft music, and journal about what’s really lighting you up this season. No pressure. Just presence.

Summer doesn’t need to be full-throttle all the time. Sometimes the best memories are made in the stillness, in choosing bliss over burnout.

Final Words: Still Tired? You Might Need This Kind of Care

You might be doing all the right things and still feel off. That’s where this guide comes in: Self-Care vs. Self-Love—How to Choose What You Need

In short:

Self-care soothes your body and nervous system.

Self-love supports your self-worth and emotional clarity.

Burnout recovery is a blend of both. So, here’s your new summer mantra:

I don’t have to do it all. I just have to do what nourishes me.

Whether it’s skipping that 3rd rooftop party, adding an essential oil roller to your daily routine, or lying in bed with a book at noon, you deserve it.