In it for the Long Run

wellness | intuition | curiosity

What I Ate Wednesday: Summertime Sadness

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Today I’m linking up with Jenn from Peas & Crayons for What I Ate Wednesday

I don’t want this to come out sounding whiney, or like Debbie Downer… but it totally will so… here we go: I’ve got the summer blues. It happens pretty much every summer, so I’m not sure why I act so confused every year. If you’re not familiar with this weird phenomenon, it’s when someone gets Seasonal Affective Disorder during the beautiful summer months.

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Don’t get me wrong. I totally get the appeal of summer, it used to my favorite as a kid. What’s not to love? More sun! (I’m into that) Lots of fresh seasonal fruits and veggies! (sign me up) The beach! (heck yes).

But you’ve gotta agree, there’s a shit ton of pressure to have TONS OF FUN during the summer (or at least look like you’re having fun). I end up feeling paralyzed. I’m blaming technology’s ability to conjure up major FOMO everywhere you look. No matter how much you’re enjoying yourself, there’s always a feeling someone else is doing something better. Again, in theory, this isn’t something that would bother me, but lately I just feel stuck in decision making paralysis. I also blame my seasonally affected brain which seems particularly effected during the solstices (again I tend to blame everything on the weather).

Unfortunately this blues has cast a bit of a bummer cloud over my energy, creativity, motivation you name it. If you’ve seen Pixar’s new Inside Out (which btw is incredible) I feel like the sadness character (who’s played by Phyllis from the Office).

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My silver lining? Fall is just around the corner. I feel like a new human in the fall. I’m trying not to “wish away” the summer but I know it won’t be the easiest time of year.

Anway

Enough of SadnessCity, the whole point of that micro-rant was that if you ever feel low in the summer (or in general) you’re not alone. But if you’re in the summer-lovin’ majority enjoy-yo-self and do not let me rain on your parade, but do go see Inside Out, it was adorable… I may have cried behind my 3D glasses hahaha.

Vegetarian What I Ate Wednesday

Breakfast: Mixed Berry Scone & Almond Milk Latte from Pavement in Boston

 

Vegetarian What I Ate Wednesday

Snack: Quest Bar – also can we talk about this beautiful work toy I get to use? I’m THIS close to stealing it. Shhh don’t tell

 

Vegetarian What I Ate Wednesday

Lunch: Arugula, Red Peppers, Cucumber, Sunflower Seeds & Tahini Dressing

 

Vegetarian What I Ate Wednesday

Snack: Justin’s PB Cups #necessary

 

Vegetarian What I Ate Wednesday

Dinner: Pesto Zoodles, Avocado, Smoked Salmon

Your Turn:

  • Have you ever heard of Summer SADness?
  • Have you seen Inside Out? Who was your favorite character?
  • If you haven’t, what’s your favorite Pixar movie?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I can definitely relate to the summertime sadness you’re feeling – I always have a bit of FOMO going on, and it’s not a fun feeling. My silver lining is to just try and do as much as I can outside to cheer myself up during the summer, because here in Seattle the sun will be gone before I know it!

    Also, that pesto zoodle + avocado + smoked salmon combo is something I need ASAP.

    • So true. Sometimes even if I just take a walk without my phone and spend time in the sun that’s enough to ease some anxiety.
      Pesto and smoked salmon are a match made in heaven <3

  3. I know what you mean. Oddly enough, I think living in Florida has helped reduce the summer sadness. Because we aren’t limited to 3 months of nice weather it takes the pressure off of having to do ALL THE THINGS during the summer. But being in NYC some of that sadness comes back and I feel like I should be doing more than I am. But summer’s are for relaxing too and I want to do some of that!

    P.S. that movie was adorable! Saw it last weekend.
    P.P.S. I need you to make me that dinner.

    • It’s funny I was actually thinking about how I’d probably benefit from living somewhere where the seasons aren’t so extreme. In north east ever season feels so magnified and over blown.

  4. I totally get the Winter SADs but have never heard of the Summer SADness. And I totally loved loved loved InsideOut! Sadness was awesome, I thought I’d like Mindy (jealousy??) a bit more… but I think my favorite part of the movie was inside the tween boys brain at the end of the movie. Absolutely hilarious. UP is by far my favorite Pixar movie… it will be a tough one to beat.

    • Yeah, summer SAD is a lot more rare and it could be weather related or just regular old depression that I’m trying to make excused for. Haha yes! When you see inside everyone’s head it’s so hilarious. The cat one killed me.

  5. Nope- I LOOOVE summer. I get the sadness in the fall and winter, because I know summer is going away 🙁
    Haven’ teen the movie but I do love WallE and Up! Such good films. Thanks for sharing your eats! That salad looks delish!

  6. Social media DOES NOT help the summertime blues! It is like non stop photos and posts of oh my life is so amazing ALL THE TIME…and then as you sit there on your couch watching Bravo, you feel guilty for not being outside doing something AMAZING…I get it and I can totally relate. Drained is a good way to describe it. It’s actually how I feel right now. And I think it is easy to blame things on the weather, because it is the only thing that humans can agree on. HAHA!

  8. Spring and Fall are definitely my favorite seasons but I really do enjoy Summer especially since it doesn’t get too warm in San Francisco. I hope you cheer up soon! Those Justin’s PB cups should do the trick!

  9. I saw Inside Out last weekend and I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! It’s so witty and great and so relatable to everyone! Also that Volcano short at the beginning practically had me in tears.

  10. I actually don’t think I’d heard of summertime SADness before but it makes sense because FOMO is all too real. Hope your blues are lifted soon!

    And those peanut butter cups. OMG <3 I tried them for the first time when Emily sent me my foodie package and they were SO SO SO good.

  11. Aw, I hope you start feeling better! I Totally understand what you mean- summer is kind of a crazy time. And social media/FOMO certainly don’t help!

    On the bright side, that camera looks awwwwesome! Such a fun work accessory 😉 haha

  12. Woah, girl, stop the madness ;). I know you said you didn’t but you’re very much sounding like you were wishing summer away. No, but really, while I can’t relate to the summer SAD I get it every winter so I can see how you’re wishing the season away. I hope you can still enjoy the summer months a little just like I can find tidbits brightening me up in winter.
    Also, steal, err, borrow that camera. Despite being in camp Canon 😉 I see the appeal in those wonderful cameras. Which one do you own?

    • I know :/ I’m trying not to be lame. There’s plenty to love about the summer I wish my body/brain chemistry would get the memo!
      I personally own a D3100 (beginner model) but I just got a D810 for work and it’s like going from an old used car to a brand new BMW <3

  13. I feel you 100000% on the summertime blues. With the 4th this weekend I am left feeling confused as to why I feel so down. Really glad to know I’m not alone.

    I think for me it’s also the pressure of bathing suit season…bleh.

    Yay for Fall!

    • Haha I love the word “food life” – I wish I could have a giant potluck with all my favorite bloggers. It would be the party of a century. Also glad I’m not crazy about the whole summer thing.

  16. I can relate so much to this- it is so difficult seeing all of these people travelling all over the world & constantly vacationing/going to concerts/ doing really fun things while I have been working like crazy. Its kind of a bummer because summer is always supposed to be “carefree” and fun, but it has not been that way for me. I hope the rest of your summer brings you more excitement!