How to Manage End-of-Summer Stress

Summer is supposed to feel like sunsets, pool floats, and ease… but let’s be honest, the end of summer hits different. 

Suddenly you’re juggling back-to-school chaos, changes in routine, shorter days, and that nagging “Wait, did I even do enough this summer?” feeling.

If you’re feeling stressed, scattered, or sad about the seasonal shift — you’re not alone. And the good news? You can navigate this transition without spiraling.

Why the End of Summer Can Feel Stressful

There are a few reasons this season stirs up anxiety and overwhelm:

• Back-to-school pressure – new schedules, routines, and to-do lists.

• Loss of freedom – less travel, less daylight, and more responsibilities creeping in.

• Unfinished summer goals – maybe you didn’t get to everything you planned, and now it feels like you “wasted” the season.

• Seasonal rhythm changes – shorter days affect your energy and mood, often before you even notice.

These stressors can sneak up and leave you feeling heavier than expected.

Practical Coping Strategies for Seasonal Stress

Here’s how to keep your nervous system steady as summer fades:

1. Keep a consistent routine – Anchor your mornings and evenings with grounding practices (even 5 minutes of journaling, stretching, or stepping outside).

2. Set realistic goals – Forget the 47-item to-do list. Pick 1–2 priorities for the fall that feel doable and energizing.

3. Make room for rest – You don’t have to earn downtime. Let your body recharge without guilt.

4. Stay connected – Plan small moments of joy with people who make you feel safe and seen.

5. Notice your body cues – Headaches, irritability, restlessness? That’s your nervous system waving a flag. Use grounding techniques, walks, or breathwork to reset.

How Therapy Can Help With End-of-Summer Stress

Therapy isn’t just for “big” problems. It’s a space to learn seasonal stress management that actually works.

At Anthology Collective, we use EMDR to help clients process the deeper anxieties that get triggered by change, and somatic therapy to teach your body how to stay calm when routines shift.

If the transition into fall feels overwhelming, therapy for stress relief can help you feel grounded, clear-headed, and ready for what’s ahead.

Your Seasonal Reset Starts Here

You don’t have to white-knuckle your way into fall.
With the right support, this transition can be smoother, lighter, and even meaningful.

📍 In-person intensives in Gilbert, AZ
💻 Virtual intensives available throughout Arizona

👉🏽 Schedule your free 15-minute consultation
Let’s figure out how therapy can help you feel balanced through the seasonal shifts.

🤎🌿✨

About the author

Karla Storey is a licensed trauma therapist based in Gilbert, Arizona and the founder of Anthology Collective. She specializes in helping high-achieving women heal from emotional neglect, perfectionism, and hyper-independence using EMDR, somatic therapy, and parts work. Karla offers both weekly sessions and EMDR intensives for clients who are ready to stop performing and start feeling. Her approach is warm, real, and rooted in lived experience – because she’s done the healing work too.