The Psychology of Summer

The Psychology of Summer

Dr. Linda Hancock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hancock has written a regular weekly column entitled “All Psyched Up” for newspapers in two Canadian provinces for more than a dozen years. Over the years, her readers and clients have said that they have benefited from her common-sense solutions, wisdom, and sense of humour. Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Medicine Hat. She can be reached at 403-529-6877 or through email office@drlindahancock.com

Published

June 8 2006

Psychology focuses on a person's thinking, feeling and behaviours and there is no doubt that the summer season affects all three. "Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are upon us again and very few individuals seem to be complaining. Out, come the golf clubs, bathing suits and convertibles. It's time for sandals, boating and maybe even some summer love. Resorts that were ignored for months are now humming with life. There are sounds that we only hear in the summer - like droning insects, water sprinklers and lawnmowers. Hammering and machinery as new construction occurs. Piano music through open windows and rain. Summer sights such as parades, children riding bikes and garage sales are also reminders that life is seasonal. We feel the sun on our body, the pain of poison ivy and the warm, gentle breeze of the evening as it floats through screen doors.

Summer is the taste of hot dogs and hamburgers, fresh vegetables from the garden, ice cream and candy floss. It is the feel of a rose, the smell of a bonfire, the pull of a ski rope and the sight of the car that is packed for a trip.

More than anything, however, summer is a perspective. It reminds us to book holidays, adopt a casual lifestyle, enjoy nature while we eat outdoors, renew friendships with some who are just visiting "in the area", go for walks, and relax. In fact, summer is about taking care of all our needs. Whether it is enjoying a rodeo, an outdoor church service, a favourite sport or reconnection with friends at a barbecue - summer is a time for enjoying "the good life".

My challenge to you is to write a list of 50 things that you love about summer and then ensure that you experience every single one over the next few weeks. The psychology of summer involves thinking, feeling and behaving in a unique way that you cannot capture the rest of the year.

Enjoy - soon it will be winter again!