End-of-summer blues is more common than you may think. If you find this time of year difficult, you’re not alone. The end of the season of sun and fun can be a tough pill for many to swallow, but there are several ways to alleviate those feelings and transition into the next season smoothly.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. Sometimes it really is as simple as giving a name to your feelings and allowing yourself the space to feel bummed out, disappointed, or overwhelmed at the thought of a new season. Once you accept those feelings, you can be free to move into a new mindframe. And knowing you’re not alone, and that others are experiencing the same things you are, can be helpful as well.
2. Reframe/shift your thinking. It can take some practice, but reframing your thoughts can be a helpful skill. Try turning negative or untrue thoughts into more positive ones — like focusing on what you enjoy about the fall, rather than fixating on what you don’t love about the end of summer.
3. Give yourself something to look forward to. Along those same lines, having something positive to anticipate and look forward to can truly change your whole way of thinking. Looking forward to something helps keep the bigger picture in mind. Whether you love going apple picking in the fall or look forward to throwing a Halloween party or hosting family for dinner, it’s important to set some dates, make plans and start a countdown to doing some of your favorite things.
4. Create new habits. If there are particular undesirable patterns you fall into during the next season, be mindful about creating new habits and traditions. Maybe you don’t like exercising indoors and feel that every fall you must get back into the gym, start a new habit of exercising outside until the weather no longer allows. Or you prefer drinking your coffee iced and do so only during the summer — bring that habit into the fall and even year-round if you like!
5. Continue the fun. What do you love most about the summer? Bring those fun things into the fall. Love to eat outdoors and shop at farmer’s markets? Keep doing those things! Enjoy long evening walks or bike rides? Grab a friend and continue to keep those habits going.
6. Set new goals. This is a great time to open yourself up to new opportunities, set new goals and focus on your growth. You never know what exciting thing can happen next, so embrace the new season of life with open arms!