Why You Feel Lazy During the Summer

Summer is known to be a time of rest and relaxation. It is also common to feel lazier and more lethargic during this season. Lazy summer days may be more than an expression! Do you wonder why that happens? Here are a few factors that contribute to the slow pace of life when summertime begins.

Potential causes of summer laziness:

• The weather may affect you. High temperatures or humidity can drain your energy. The excessive sun may not encourage you to perform at the highest level of productivity. Your body needs to work overtime to stay cool when you are exposed to summer heat. That makes it feel like even basic tasks are harder to do. Staying indoors in the air conditioning can help keep you cooler, but it may also make you want to stay on the couch and relax.
• Heavy food can drag you down. Summer is the perfect time to have barbeques and beach days. This may cause the indulgence of junk foods, leading you to feel sluggish. Eating foods high in fat and sugar or eating too much, especially when it is hot, can cause fatigue.
• The days are longer. Even though there are 24 hours in every day, having more daylight can make the days feel longer. This may make it harder to fall asleep at night. That is because melatonin onset and your natural circadian rhythm may be impacted by longer hours of sunshine. Not getting enough sleep at night can lead to daytime fatigue and may make you feel lazy.
• Your routine is different. For many people, summer can cause a change of routine. For kids there is no school and a lack of activities. The environment at work may adjust to fit the schedule of vacationing employees. There also may not be as many meetings and other commitments requiring your time and attention. Having a routine can give structure and guidance for day-to-day tasks. When that routine is more open-ended, it can leave one feeling less motivated to get things done, resulting in reduced productivity.

To combat summer laziness, try to establish a routine, even if it is different from your routine during the rest of the year. Also, take steps to ensure you get enough sleep. Eating healthy foods that will not weigh you down and getting exercise will help give you a pep in your step. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider at PIHHealth.org/Appointments if you have questions about establishing a nutritious diet. Stay cool and well hydrated by drinking enough water. Keep in mind that laziness and relaxation are not the same thing. If summer makes you feel less stressed and more at ease, that is a good thing. Embrace the slower pace of life, relax, and enjoy!