Surviving Summer When Life Has Other Ideas
Summer is supposed to be all sunshine and sangria, right? I don’t know about you, but for me it’s a season that can feel a little… uncomfortable.
Let’s be honest — when your body’s changing, your hormones are playing games, and the heat is ramping up, it’s no surprise if you’re not exactly feeling your most fabulous self.
If that sounds like you, please know this: you are not alone — and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Midlife in the summer can be tough. But there are ways to feel better, think better, and bring some calm back into the chaos.
Why Summer Can Feel So Uncomfortable
When menopause kicks in, it brings a whole host of unexpected changes — hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, body confidence wobbles, and emotional shifts you can’t always explain. Now throw in:
- Trying on last year’s summer clothes (which may or may not still feel “right”)
- Heat that makes even basic clothes feel clingy
- Constant social pressure to be “beach ready”
…and you’ve got a recipe for feeling self-critical, tired, and fed up.
Here’s the truth: this season isn’t just about showing more skin or pretending to love the sunshine — it’s about staying cool, calm, and kind to yourself as your body transitions through something completely normal and natural.
A New Kind of Summer Confidence
What if confidence this summer looked like this:
- Wearing what feels comfortable, not what you think you “should” wear
- Saying yes to ice cream without guilt
- Letting yourself rest without feeling lazy
- Speaking to yourself with kindness instead of criticism
- Grabbing your swimwear and going for a dip even if you’re not “swimwear ready” 😉
It’s not about “snapping back” or “fixing” yourself. It’s about tuning in, listening to your body, and building trust with yourself again.
Here’s My Simple Midlife Summer Survival Tips
🌀 Dress to breathe – Choose loose, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton) and let go of the idea that you need to “hide” anything.
💦 Hydrate like it’s your job – Water helps regulate body temp, supports digestion, and even eases some hormonal symptoms. Add lemon, cucumber or mint to make it feel a bit more special and more refreshing.
😴 Prioritise sleep routines – Warm evenings and night sweats can mess with sleep. Keep your bedroom cool, wind down early, and reduce screen time. Get out as early as you can each morning, even for just five minutes and get that natural daylight on your skin and into your eyes.
🧴 Love your skin – Hormonal shifts can make skin feel dry or sensitive. A cooling spritz, light moisturiser and SPF are your summer besties. (And if you love Tropic, you know I’ve got you covered there too!)
🧠 Talk to yourself like someone you love – Your body has carried you through decades of life, and it’s evolving. That doesn’t make it wrong — it makes it incredible.
And If You’re Still Struggling… You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone
This time of life can leave you feeling unsure of who you are now, where you’re going next, or how to feel like yourself again. It’s common. And sometimes, what really helps is having someone impartial to talk it through with — someone who won’t tell you to “just get on with it” or dismiss your struggles because “it’s normal at your age.”
💛 That’s exactly what I’m here for.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, unsure how to manage symptoms, or simply want to feel better in your own skin again, let’s chat. I offer free 20-minute clarity calls where we can talk about where you’re at and what small steps could make a big difference.
No pressure. Just support.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be Bikini-Ready. You Just Need to Be Kind-to-Yourself Ready.
Summer doesn’t have to be about shrinking yourself or pretending to feel great. It can be about supporting yourself differently, treating your mind and body with compassion, and deciding that how you feel is more important than how you look.
Let’s make this the summer you stop hiding and start thriving — hot flushes, mood swings, and all.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
Sandra X
