How to Cope with Loneliness During the Summer Months
While summer is often associated with vacations, beach days, and social events, not everyone feels uplifted during this time of year. For many, the long days and constant reminders of what “fun” should look like can actually deepen feelings of isolation and emotional disconnection. If you’re feeling lonely this summer, you’re not alone—and there are ways to cope that support your mental health and help you feel good again.
Here are practical ways to manage loneliness and make the most of the summer months, even if your social calendar looks a little different this year.
1. Reach Out to Friends and Family
Loneliness often convinces us that we’re a burden—but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sending a simple message, planning a short call, or inviting someone for a walk can be enough to start feeling more connected. You don’t need a packed calendar—just consistent, meaningful check-ins with friends and family can help ease that emotional distance.
If in-person plans aren’t possible, virtual catch-ups or even shared activities like watching the same show or reading the same book can help you stay connected, even from afar.
2. Create Structure in How You Spend Your Time
Without structure, days can start to blur—especially in the warmer months when routines shift. Building a gentle, supportive schedule can provide both motivation and a sense of purpose.
Start by asking: What makes me feel good—even for a moment? That might be journaling in the morning, walking in the evening, trying a new recipe, or volunteering locally. Purpose doesn’t have to mean productivity. It simply means adding intentionality to how you spend your time so that each day feels a little more grounded.
3. Get Outside (Even Briefly)
Exposure to sunlight and fresh air can naturally lift your mood and regulate sleep patterns. Even a short walk, sitting at a café, or reading in the park can make the day feel more open
and positive. Nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and boost serotonin levels—both essential to managing loneliness.
If you don’t feel up for long outings, start small. Just five minutes outside each day can make a meaningful impact.
4. Take a Break from Social Media
Scrolling through carefully curated highlight reels can worsen feelings of isolation, especially during the summer months when everyone seems to be traveling or hosting picture-perfect gatherings. If social media leaves you feeling drained, consider taking a break from social media—even for a few days.
Use that time to reconnect with yourself: take walks without your phone, journal your thoughts, or explore creative hobbies. You may find that stepping away from the screen helps reduce comparison and brings more peace into your daily life.
5. Explore Talking to a Therapist
You don’t have to wait until things feel “serious” to seek help. Loneliness is deeply tied to your emotional well-being and can impact your long-term mental health. Talking to a therapist can help you understand why you’re feeling disconnected, develop strategies for reaching out, and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
At Silver Lake Psychology, we offer both virtual and in-person therapy to meet you where you are. Our team specializes in helping people cope with life transitions, emotional isolation, and relationship challenges—especially during emotionally heightened times like summer.
6. Practice Self-Compassion
It’s easy to blame yourself when you’re feeling lonely, but loneliness is not a character flaw—it’s a human experience. Instead of criticizing yourself for not doing “enough,” try speaking to yourself the way you would a friend: with kindness, patience, and understanding.
Try journaling, gentle affirmations, or even simply acknowledging how you feel without judgment. Accepting your emotions as valid can make it easier to move through them and start reconnecting.
7. Try Something New That Sparks Curiosity
New experiences—even small ones—can help shift your mindset. Consider a class, a podcast series, a new walking route, or a weekly ritual that you genuinely look forward to. These activities can help break patterns of isolation, create new talking points, and introduce you to people with similar interests. Often, the antidote to loneliness isn’t just connection—it’s also curiosity, movement, and doing things that bring you back to yourself.
You’re Not Alone—Support Is Here
If you’re struggling during the summer months, know that support is available. At Silver Lake Psychology, we understand that this time of year can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Whether you’re coping with loss, transitions, or just feeling lonely, our compassionate team is here to help.
We offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals who specialize in treating loneliness, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.
Ready to feel more connected? Visit silverlakepsychology.com to find a therapist near you, explore your options, and book your first session today.
You deserve connection, healing, and peace—no matter what season you’re in. Let us help you get there.