Summer Vibes… Until You’re Running on Fumes

Lisa Hooks
Jul 7, 2025
2 min read

We all dream of that perfect summer: warm sunshine, lazy days by the water, laughter with family and friends, and memories that last a lifetime. You know—the summer vibes we see splashed all over Instagram with perfectly filtered sunsets and smiling faces.

But somewhere between the cookouts, vacations, kids’ activities, and “let’s not waste the summer” plans… you find yourself running on fumes. Exhausted. Overbooked. And wondering how something that was supposed to fill your cup somehow drained it completely.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

When the Fun Turns Fatiguing:

Summer has a sneaky way of getting busy. And not just normal busy—like, borderline Olympic-level busyness. Every weekend’s booked. Every day’s packed. And your to-do list for “relaxation” somehow turned into another chore.

Here’s what it looks like:

You need a nap after your vacation.
You come home more stressed than when you left.
You’re living on caffeine and sunscreen.
Your soul feels as frazzled as your beach hair.

The truth is, if we’re not careful, we’ll spend summer chasing moments instead of actually enjoying them.

Why Do We Do This to Ourselves?

A couple of reasons:

We Think “Busy” Equals “Better”We’ve bought the lie that a full calendar = a full life. But all it really guarantees is fatigue.
We Fear Missing OutWe don’t want to miss memories, so we say yes to everything. But making every memory often means we miss the meaningful ones.
We Forget to RechargeJust like your phone, you can’t run non-stop without plugging into the Source. Even fun stuff can wear you out if you never pause.

How to Flip the Script Before You Burn Out:

Let’s not make this the summer that leaves you gasping for air. Here’s how to reclaim your joy and your energy:

1. Pause Before You Say “Yes”

Not every invite needs your RSVP. Before you agree, ask: Does this bring life or just more busyness?

2. Choose Moments Over Mania

It’s not about how many things you do—it’s about how present you are in what you choose. One rich memory beats five rushed ones.

3. Refuel Your Soul, Not Just Your Schedule

Get quiet. Spend time with God. Rest in His presence. True refreshment isn’t found in activities—it’s found in Him.

“He restores my soul…” — Psalm 23:3 4. Schedule the Slow

Yes, literally put “rest” on the calendar. Protect it. Prioritize it. Otherwise, the urgent will always eat the important.

Let Summer Be What It Was Meant to Be:

Summer isn’t supposed to leave you depleted—it’s supposed to leave you renewed. This season, give yourself permission to slow down, say no, unplug, and just be.

The sunshine is still sweet even when you’re not “doing” something. The laughter still matters even if it’s just you, your family, and a quiet backyard evening. And the best memories? They’re usually the ones you didn’t force or over-plan.

So here’s to real summer vibes—the kind that leave you filled, refreshed, and fully alive… not just running on fumes.