Why the End of Summer can make you feel rushed
The End of Summer Rush: Why Your Brain Feels Like It’s Racing the Clock
It always sneaks up on me.
One day I’m soaking in the late summer sun, feeling relaxed and unrushed. The next, I’m staring at my calendar, wondering how it’s already almost September — and why I suddenly feel behind on everything.
There’s a familiar tension that creeps in as summer fades. It’s not just the shift in weather or the return of school routines. It’s something deeper — a mental alarm that goes off, telling me I need to do more, catch up, get serious. And it turns out, there’s a reason for that.
Your Brain Treats Seasonal Change Like a Deadline
As the season changes, your brain notices the shift and treats it like a deadline — a kind of mental checkpoint. Psychologists call these moments temporal landmarks. They’re natural transitions in time — like the end of summer, the start of a new year, or even a birthday — that prompt us to reflect on where we are and where we’re going.
These landmarks can be powerful motivators. They help us reset, set goals, and reorient ourselves. But they can also trigger a sense of urgency, especially when we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough or used our time “well.”
Suddenly, the end of summer isn’t just a change in weather — it’s a psychological turning point. And your brain responds by sounding the internal “to-do” alarm.
The Pressure to Perform
This mental checkpoint can lead to a flurry of activity: signing up for new commitments, reorganizing your schedule, setting ambitious goals. While some of this can be energizing, it can also create unnecessary pressure. You might find yourself overcommitting, feeling guilty for what you didn’t do, or rushing into decisions that aren’t aligned with what you truly want.
I’ve felt this myself — the impulse to “make up for lost time” or “start fresh” just because the calendar flipped. But here’s what I’ve learned:
The key is to recognize the brain’s pattern, pause, and ask:
Am I acting from genuine desire — or seasonal urgency?
A Moment to Reflect, Not React
When we slow down and notice this seasonal shift for what it is — a natural rhythm, not a race — we give ourselves permission to respond with intention rather than impulse.
Here’s what helps me, and what we often encourage in our practice:
Name the feeling. Just saying “I feel rushed because summer’s ending” can reduce its power.
Check your motivation. Ask yourself: Is this goal something I truly want, or something I feel pressured to pursue?
Honor the transition. Instead of rushing through it, take time to reflect. What did summer teach you? What do you want to carry into fall?
Be kind to yourself. You’re not behind. You’re just responding to a very human pattern — one that many of us share.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just “off” as the seasons shift, know that you’re not alone. These feelings are valid, and they’re worth exploring. Our team of therapists is here to help you navigate seasonal transitions with clarity, compassion, and support. We are available to see you in person or via Telehealth, call us at 727-241-7700 or visit our website at www.clearpathhealthllc.com. It is ok to start with small steps, just take them one at a time until you are running toward your best life!
Let’s move into fall not with pressure, but with purpose.