The school year ends, and suddenly your calendar is wide open. No more classes. No more homework. No more daily routine. Friends you used to see every day are now traveling, working, or just not around. And even though summer is supposed to feel like a break, something about it feels strangely off, like you are floating around in space with nothing to keep you tethered to the ground. 

You may not feel sad, exactly, but you’re not happy either. You wake up later than usual. You scroll more than you’d like. Your energy is low and your motivation feels even lower. It’s not quite depression, but when asked how you feel the first answer that comes to mind is “meh.”  

That feeling is more common than you think.

The Unexpected Weight of Unstructured Time

During the school year, there’s a built-in rhythm. Schedules are packed, expectations are clear, and even your downtime is often planned. Once that structure disappears, it can be disorienting. You might find yourself unsure of what you’re supposed to be doing, or how you’re supposed to feel.

While freedom sounds great in theory, too much unstructured time can leave you feeling anxious, disconnected, or stuck. And that’s a completely normal response! 

Why This “Weird” Feeling Happens

Transitions, even the positive ones, may stir up discomfort. As humans, we’re wired to crave rhythm, connection, and purpose. When those things fall away, your mood may shift in ways you didn’t expect. So what gives? 

As it turns out, we all do best with some amount of structure and routine (how much depends on the person). Too little structure and we feel lost and drained of energy. Despite having nothing to do, we can’t seem to figure out how to get anything done. Conversely, too much on our calendar leaves us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The key is finding the “sweet spot,” where you have enough on your calendar to create a sense of structure and motivation, but not so much that your body is in a constant state of stress. 

Another factor that can contribute to the post-school year dip in mood is that our bodies tend to go into a bit of a “slump” after months of being constantly on the go. Ask anyone who does theatre how they feel after a show wraps up, and they will confirm that there is almost always a period of “post-show blues” or “post-performance depression.” A similar phenomenon can happen after the school year ends, and for some of the same reasons: you’ve been spending time with friends every day, engaged in activities like sports, arts and clubs, running on adrenaline to accomplish everything on your to-do list, and all of a sudden it’s just…over. Some of that is likely your body recovering from everything you just put it through, and with time you may notice yourself feeling better as your body gets the rest it needs.

So… What Can You Do?

You don’t need to overhaul your whole summer. Start small. A little bit of structure can go a long way in helping you feel more grounded and steady.

Here are a few low-stress ways to shift out of the summer haze:

  1. Create a light routine.
    How much routine may depend on what your body needs, so consider starting small and working your way up. Try waking up around the same time each day, eating regular meals, and getting outside at least once. If that feels doable, consider adding a few regularly scheduled activities from there. Simple rhythms can help anchor your day.
  2. Stay connected.
    Even if your closest people are unavailable, try reaching out. Text a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Attend a local class. Join a group or club. Try to avoid isolating for too long, as that can turn a slump into a depression. 
  3. Explore purpose.
    Finding purpose doesn’t have to mean trying to save the world. But doing something that feels meaningful, like volunteering, trying a new hobby, learning a skill, or getting a summer job, can give your days a sense of direction.
  4. Be kind to yourself.
    You’re allowed to feel off. You’re allowed to take time to figure things out. The in-between isn’t wasted time. It can be a space for rest, reflection, and quiet growth.

Therapy Can Help You Navigate the In-Between

If you’re feeling stuck or emotionally all over the place this summer, talking to someone can help. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we offer therapy for teens, college students, and young adults navigating seasonal funks, big life shifts, or the general in-between.

Therapy isn’t just for when things fall apart. It’s also a space to build emotional awareness, explore your identity, and learn tools to feel more grounded, not just in the summer, but throughout the year.

You don’t have to fix the summer. But you can make it feel more like your own.

Reach out to LynLake Centers for WellBeing to connect with someone who understands, and who can help you find clarity in the middle of the mess.