The Summer Soft Life (with Boundaries)
It’s FINALLY my favorite season of the year, Summer! I am an odd-ball who love the summer sun, and ::whispers:: the humidity. Now, that I can swim like a fish, you real cannot tell me anything. Yes, summer often carries the promise of fun, rest, and sunshine. Let me be real, summer can be cute and chaotic at the same time.
With ongoing political and social uncertainty, record-breaking heat, and the ever-present challenge of just trying to survive, this season can feel overwhelming. Add neurodivergence to the mix, and the bright, busy world of summer can become downright overstimulating. Unfortunately, for me the sunshine does not cancel out sensory overload, burnout, or the state of the world. But despite the chaos, wellness is still possible. It might look different from what you’re used to seeing on social media though.
Here’s how I am holding my peace, and I invite you to try whatever version feels good to you.
Make Your Own Rules for Rest: You don’t need to earn rest or wait for the “perfect time”. Take breaks when you need them even if that means stepping away from social plans or turning down invitations. Your peace comes first.
Limit Media Intake: It’s okay to stay informed, but constant exposure to distressing news can wear you down. Steer clear of DOOMSCROLLING. Set healthy boundaries around media consumption, and don’t feel guilty for turning it off.
Create a Cool Down Routine: The heat can aggravate stress and sensory sensitivity. Whether it’s taking a cool shower, laying in a dark room, or using noise-cancelling headphones, building rituals that calm your body and mind.
Connect with Softness: Find safe people and safe spaces. Summer doesn’t have to mean being “on” all the time. Sometimes connection looks like quiet company, a supportive test, or a solo walk while listening to your favorite playlist.
Physical Safety & Health
Hydrate Religiously: Dehydration can sneak up fast, especially for those of us who get hyper focused or forget basic needs. Set reminders to drink water and keep a bottle nearby.
Dress for Sensory Comfort: Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothes and fabrics that don’t overwhelm your skin. If certain textures, temperature, or bright environment overstimulate you, listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade when you can. Heat exhaustion and sunburn can make an already hard day even hard.
Say “Yes” to Less- Guard Your Summer Calendar: Be mindful of overscheduling yourself. Summer often invites a packed calendar, but that doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything. Leave buffer time between events and give yourself permission to cancel or reschedule when needed.
A Special Note for My Neurodivergent Community
Summer stimulation can be loud, bright, crowded, and unpredictable, all things that can heighten sensory challenges and emotional fatigue. Know that your needs are valid. You don’t have to push yourself to meet neurotypical expectations of what summer should look like. If wellness for you means staying inside with the blinds drawn, that counts. If it means wearing the same breathable outfits on rotation because everything else feels wrong, that counts. Your version of a “heathy summer” is just as real and worthy as anyone else’s.
This is a Soft Girl (& Guy) Summer: Stay hydrated and say “no” when you need to. Make joy bite-sized and accessible. Above all else, PROTECT YOUR PEACE!
This summer, I hope you choose safety, softness, and self-honesty. The world is heavy enough. Don’t carry the weight of unrealistic expectations too.
