Understanding the Hidden Causes of Your Summer Fatigue

As summer begins, many of us step outside expecting to feel invigorated, but instead, we may feel an unexpected weight of fatigue. The longer days filled with outdoor activities can sometimes feel overwhelming rather than refreshing.

It turns out, this feeling isn’t uncommon. The transition from spring to summer often brings a surprising drop in energy for many. While we anticipate that sunshine should energize us, it can instead lead to feelings of exhaustion and irritability.

Featured image from our interview with Remi Ishizuka by Michelle Nash.

Strategies to Combat Summer Fatigue: Holistic Approaches for Renewed Energy

Experts indicate that the reasons behind this seasonal weariness extend beyond just needing extra sleep. Our bodies face a significant adjustment, coping with changes in circadian rhythms, social pressures, and various environmental factors. This seasonal shift can require a recalibration that leaves us feeling drained.

The bright side? Simple adjustments in our routines can help restore our energy levels, making it possible to enjoy the summer months fully.

Why Do We Experience Summer Fatigue?

Several factors contribute to seasonal fatigue. Our circadian rhythm, which governs sleep and energy levels, reacts to alterations in light and temperature, often leading to feelings of imbalance or increased tiredness. Additionally, with warmer weather, our social calendars typically become busier, which can leave little opportunity for rest.

Why Summer Can Leave Us Feeling Exhausted

To gain insight into why summer often leads to fatigue, I consulted Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road, a wellness sanctuary in Austin. With expertise in skincare and traditional healing practices, Brooke combines ancient wisdom with contemporary wellness strategies to help individuals reconnect with their vitality.

Brooke shares that summer fatigue frequently arises from being stretched too thin—both mentally and physically—as we attempt to keep up with the season’s demands. In traditional medicine, each season aligns with a specific organ system. Summer relates to the heart and small intestine, which influence our joy and clarity. When these systems are off-kilter, it can feel like an overload, affecting us emotionally and physically.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, we transition from spring’s wood element, linked to growth, to summer’s fire element, characterized by intensity and outward expression. Brooke emphasizes that summer represents peak yang energy, where our activity levels increase, but without mindful nourishment and pacing, we may risk burnout.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the change from spring’s wood element to summer’s fire element reflects a shift toward intensity and outward energy.

Signs of Imbalance: Recognizing the Symptoms

This internal disarray can manifest in various ways depending on individual circumstances. “Factors like your environment and lifestyle can lead to dampness, making you feel sluggish and mentally foggy,” Brooke explains.

Feelings of restlessness or being scattered may indicate a grounding deficiency, while symptoms like anxiety or insomnia often suggest an imbalance in heart energy. The common thread is a body and mind working excessively to keep pace with seasonal changes without adequate support.

How Acupuncture Can Help Restore Balance

Brooke advocates for acupuncture as a powerful ally in restoring balance. “Acupuncture activates the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging the flow of qi to rebalance and strengthen resilience,” she notes. “It aids the body in adjusting to seasonal shifts and maintaining harmony.”

Alongside daily practices such as grounding foods, intentional rest, and outdoor time, acupuncture can help you harness summer’s vibrant energy without depleting yourself.

Natural Remedies for Boosting Energy

For those experiencing seasonal shifts and seeking natural energy replenishment, herbalist and founder of Anima Mundi, Adriana Ayales, encourages drawing from nature and its seasonal rhythms. Adriana notes that the transition between seasons often brings imbalances. As our body, mind, and environment adjust, feelings of discomfort or fatigue are common.

Understanding Why You Might Feel More Exhausted

Seasonal fatigue isn't solely an internal concern; environmental factors play a significant role. In traditional herbal practices, spring is linked to wind, which can disturb the nervous system, leading to increased restlessness or fatigue. As daylight extends into the evening, our circadian rhythms may adjust, temporarily affecting sleep and energy.

This season also marks what Adriana describes as a “biological detox,” where the body eliminates waste and resets after winter. Herbal traditions typically support this detoxification with bitter greens like dandelion and nettle, which help cleanse the liver. However, this process can leave us feeling tired and foggy before our energy returns.

Additionally, the increased activity that spring and summer bring—such as gardening and social events—can strain our bodies. Like Brooke, Adriana observes that many feel pressured to be productive and energized, even if their bodies haven't fully adapted.

Herbs for Enhancing Seasonal Energy

To assist the body during this seasonal transition, Adriana recommends herbs that promote detoxification and cardiovascular health. As spring unfolds, she often turns to nutrient-rich greens and liver tonics. In summer, the emphasis shifts to heart health, focusing on cooling herbs that balance excess heat and inflammation.

Some of her favorite herbs for spring and summer include:

• Dandelion and Cleavers: excellent for gentle detox and liver support
• Nettle: packed with minerals and revitalizing
• Lemon Balm and Mint: calming herbs that relax the nervous system
• Rose, Hibiscus, and Elderberry: promote heart health and cool the body
• Coriander, Fennel, and Dill: spices that aid digestion and reduce internal heat

Anima Mundi

HAPPINESS Powder | Herbal “Coffee”

Anima Mundi

ROSE Powder | Love + Serenity

Threshold

BLACK ELDERBERRY Syrup | Botanical + Mushroom Elixir

Daily Practices for Grounding and Energizing

While these herbs work internally, Adriana stresses the significance of external practices that help stabilize our nervous systems and reconnect us with nature. “I highly recommend spending ample time outside—forest bathing, in particular, offers significant emotional and physical benefits,” she says. “These experiences are vital for our biological balance and spiritual health.”

She suggests finding small ways to integrate nature into your routine, whether by walking barefoot on grass, watching sunsets, foraging, or taking impromptu trips. Such rituals can provide grounding and recalibration during times of change.

Getting Started

If you’re new to herbal support, Adriana recommends starting with local options. Engaging with your environment is crucial for both your nervous and digestive systems. “Pay attention to spring greens and cardio tonics that may be available nearby,” she advises.

Medicinal mushrooms also serve as effective allies. “Reishi supports hormonal balance, while Lion’s Mane enhances cognitive function. Both are safe for adults and children,” she adds.

Anima Mundi

REISHI | Spirit Super-Tonic

Anima Mundi

LION’S MANE | Adaptogenic Brain Tonic Powder

Final Thoughts

As we delve deeper into summer, the goal is not to resist the season's intensity but to embrace it with awareness and care. By aligning ourselves with nature’s rhythms, we can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling balanced, reconnecting with our need for both relaxation and expansion.

Incorporating cooling herbs, scheduling acupuncture, or simply creating moments of stillness amid busy days can provide substantial relief. Let summer be a time of being—grounded, open-hearted, and in tune with your body’s true needs.