“Late Summer Blues – When Grief Feels Heavier in the Heat”
“"It can be helpful to think of grief not as a detour from life, but as one of its many seasons."
– Shelby Forsythia
Heat Waves and Heartache: The Quiet Grief of Summer
You’d think summer would be easier.
Longer days. Sunshine. Vacations. Fresh air.
But for many grieving hearts, summer brings stillness. And in that stillness, the weight of loss can settle in deeper.
If you're feeling out of step with the world—tired, irritable, sad, or untethered—you’re not alone. The emotional heaviness of late summer is real. And it often catches people off guard.
Why Grief Feels Heavier in Late Summer:
While the world slows down, our thoughts can speed up. With less structure, fewer distractions, and more quiet moments, grief has room to speak.
You might find yourself:
Thinking more about the past
Noticing who’s missing at a gathering
Remembering your loved one’s birthday
Feeling disconnected from joy
Comparing your sadness to others’ “summery happiness”
Add in the pressure to “enjoy the season,” and it can feel like you’re falling behind emotionally.
🧠 Note: Grief can intensify in quieter seasons—like summer and early winter—because of reduced stimulation and increased space for reflection.
5 Calming Practices to Gently Reset:
If your heart feels off-balance right now, try one small act of calm each day:
Walk without a destination
Let your body move while your mind unwinds. No purpose required.Create a “grief-free” zone
Light a candle or sit in a spot where you allow no fixing, no processing—just rest.Name 3 things that comfort you
Even small ones—cool sheets, music, a breeze. Let them ground you.Give your emotions a role
Instead of resisting them, say: “This sadness is showing me how much I care.”Breathe like it matters
Inhale slowly for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Your body will respond.
A Gentle Invitation:
This season won’t last forever—but while you’re in it, you deserve support. You don’t have to power through. You don’t have to pretend it’s fine.
🌿 Download my free guide: “Finding Calm: 7 Simple Practices for Grieving Hearts” for more soothing rituals that fit easily into your days.
