I was born on a hot summer night. It was rainy, but it was still relatively a scorching July sun. I was also raised in a country where summer is the foremost season.
Now you may assume that since I’m a summer baby, I probably relish warm and hot days. But no, that is not the case at all. Summer is my least favorite season, and I absolutely dread it.
My anxiety level rapidly goes up after April ends. That’s when I knew the flaming May and June were coming. After moving to the United States, I have noticed how summer is loved by most people.
Maybe because the most prominent season here is winter, which bodes well with me. I love winter; it’s the season of warmth and happiness. However, I have heard many winter stereotypes and one of them being: winter is depressing. But for me, summer feeds that stereotype.
Going to school during summer is also a very dangerous game. Due to extreme heat, teens have trouble focusing on school and other activities.
In summer, we get to do a lot of fun activities, such as having a picnic, eating ice cream, bike rides, and such. However, it also has a downside, especially for me. Here’s why summer is not for everyone.
1. Some of us have a sweating problem
This is probably the main reason for my strong dislike towards summer and hot days. Sweating due to heat and humidity is very normal, but excessive sweating can cause a lot of problems including anxiety and social embarrassment. This condition is also known as hyperhidrosis.
Individuals with this issue find that sweating can actually disrupt their daily life and cause them to be insecure. You can’t even wear light colors because they will easily flash out the pool of water stored in your underarms. I sweat even in winter. There’s no way out of it, but summer just makes it worse and unbearable to the point where I avoid going out, which is a big problem for me when it comes to school.
2. Winter Fashion is Way Better Than Summer Fashion
Winter clothes are more stylish and proper than summer clothes. Especially for people who like to wear puffy jackets or dress in layers and fuzzy socks, winter is the best time to do that. Whenever I have to go out in summer, whether it be for a walk around my neighborhood or go to the mall, I have to spend an hour trying to put an outfit together.
However, during winter, I can just throw on a jacket and head out. In addition, many insecure teens can relate as to why wearing layers or jackets can make them feel more confident than summer clothes that are revealing.
3. Frizzy hair
This one might be the most frustrating thing ever for a girl with wavy/curly hair. Summer days are not only hot, but the air is filled with humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air.
And this can generate frizz in your hair. Wavy/curly haired girls will know how much effort they have to put in to make their hair look presentable in the summer. No matter what I do, I still wind up looking like Hagrid by the end of the day. It is a constant struggle.
4. Bugs, bugs, and More bugs
In summer, bugs of different shapes and sizes start to show up out of nowhere. Especially since it’s hot, you try to keep the window open, but it’s not safe to do that because an insect can fly in anytime. I absolutely hate bugs, and I’m terrified of them.
Some bug bites can also lead to irritating problems like swelling, redness, and itching. In winter, though, there are barely any bugs. You also don’t have to worry about being bitten by one, since you will be wearing full sleeves.
5. The hotter it is, the more anxiety
I have noticed how anxious I always am in summer. This could be a result of the issue I discussed in #1, which is sweating. Anxiety causes sweating, and sweating causes anxiety.
It is a vicious cycle that somehow works. I get easily drained out in summer, and everything feels like a big assignment that I have no energy to do whatsoever. Lastly, I lost my appetite, and that’s weird because, since it’s so hot, I'll get hungry.
But even eating requires a lot of stamina, it seems. Anxiety will then interfere with work and school.
6. The Temperature is Wild
Isn’t this obvious? Who likes to sweat constantly and be so dehydrated 24/7? The feeling I get in summer is very unpleasant.
I don’t enjoy the “fun” summer activities because of the boiling heat. As mentioned earlier, I sweat normally even in winter, fall/spring, and I don’t feel like sweating even more than usual. I always feel the need to take a shower every 10 minutes, even if I stay home all day.
Concluding Thoughts and What You Can Do About This
Summer is the season when you start noticing things about yourself that you may have not noticed before. For example, you will look at yourself in the mirror with a cute dress on that you normally love and think, "I don't look good" because you're so used to wearing full-sleeved shirts and pants.
Many teens also suffer from body dysmorphia, which makes it hard for them to love their beautiful bodies. Lastly, it's easier to hide sweat stains in winter than it is in summer and that can save you from any social embarrassment. But it doesn't have to be so bad. There are many ways you can enjoy summer despite the obstacles.
1. Stay hydrated! So that you can always feel fresh and energetic.
2. Wear loose, fitted clothes. Tight clothes will lead to excessive sweating.
3. Never forget sunscreen and insect repellents.
4. Use anti-humidity hairspray to keep your hair shiny and reduce frizz
5. Get involved in activities that interest you so that you don't feel overwhelmed with anxiety.
