The Spoonie's Guide to Enjoying Summer Without Burning Out

Summer is supposed to be all sunshine, barbeques, and road trips, but when you live with chronic illness, the heat, energy demands, and the expectations of always doing more can turn summer into a season of burnout. I've had to learn (sometimes the hard way) that I don't need to keep up with "the summer hustle" to enjoy it. What I need is balance, pacing, and a little creativity.

Here's my guide to making summer fun, even when you're running on fewer spoons than you'd like.

Ditch the FOMO (....Much Easier said than Done, I know)

When everyone's posting about their beach trips and late-night concerts, it's so easy to feel like you're missing out. But here's the thing, summer doesn't have to look the same for everyone. You version of summer could be crocheting in the shade, sipping something cold, or enjoying the sound of cicadas through the window. And honestly? That's just as valid (and sometimes way more relaxing).

Sometimes saying no to the high-energy outings is saying yes to yourself.

Heat is Not Your Friend (But You Can Out Smart It)

Heat can rigger fatigue, dizziness, migraines, you name it. I learned quickly that "pushing through" is not worth the price, so here's what helps me!

• Cooling towels and fans: I always have a hand-held fan in my purse, and I have a second and a neck fan that I use often. If I'm going to be outside for a long time? I bring a cooler and a damp rag that I can leave in there to stay cool. It has been one of the best little life hacks I've used, honestly.

• Hydration Station: A big water bottle with electrolytes (because plain water isn't always enough).

• Shade = safety: If I'm outdoors, I hunt for the nearest shady spot like my life depends on it (because sometimes, it does).

And if the heat is too much? Permission to stay inside with the AC and your yarn stash is granted.

Summer-Friendly Crochet Projects

Not all projects are fun to work on in the summer. I don't know about you, but I usually like to start some like of scrap-ghan in the fall that takes me most of the winter with the other products that I'm making. But, I definitely don't want that covering my lap and suffocating me when it's 100 degrees outside. So instead, I stick to:

• Lighter weight yarns

• small projects like coasters, dish clothes, Dragon Egg Dice Bags, and soap savers.

• Quick "One Sitting" projects for when I don't know how long my energy will last.

That way, I still get the joy of creating without overheating or feeling like I'm biting off more than I can chew.

Tiny Rituals That Make Summer Feel Special

Summer doesn't have to be huge adventures. Some of the best memories come from the small rituals like:

• Eating popsicles on the porch at sunset

• Crocheting outside in the early morning before t gets too hot

• Letting a summer playlist run in the background while I work on projects

Sometimes, if I'm having a good day, I'll lay out in the sun and work on some of my projects or even just sit and read my book for a while.

These little things remind me that I don't need to chase big events to feel the season!

Give Yourself Permission To Slow Down

The truth is, summer with chronic illness requires more planning, more flexibility, and more grace than most people realize. But slowing down doesn't mean you're missing out, it means you're savoring what works for you. And maybe that's the secret gift of living with limitations: learning that joy doesn't only exist in big trios, the loud parties, or the all-day outings. Joy can be crocheting in the cool quiet, watching the sun set, or laughing with someone you love on a simple summer evening.

If you take away anything from this, let it be this: you su7mmer doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be good. whether it's full of yarn projects, naps in front of the fan, or little adventures you can manage, you deserve a summer that feels like yours, burnout not included.

Peace, Love and All the Above,

Ella Marie <3