Late-Summer Burnout Is Real: How to Get Your Energy Back
Feeling utterly depleted? Late-summer burnout hits women in perimenopause hardest. Here's how to restore your energy as we transition into fall
As I write this on a late August morning, I can feel it in the air—that subtle shift that whispers autumn is coming. The frenetic energy of summer is finally starting to settle, and honestly? I think we're all ready for it.
If you're feeling utterly depleted right now, you're not alone. Late-summer burnout is incredibly real, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. We've been running on empty reserves, and our bodies are finally saying, "Enough."
This week, I'm sharing some gentle wisdom about honoring this natural transition and practical ways to restore your depleted energy. Plus, I've got a fascinating conversation recommendation that might just inspire you to embrace the quieter rhythms ahead.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: Late-Summer Burnout Is Real: How to Get Your Energy Back
Latest blog post: Home Remedies for a Good Night's Sleep
What I'm listening to: A conversation with Thelma Schoonmaker, the editor of every Martin Scorsese film since Raging Bull
Late-Summer Burnout: How to Get Your Energy Back
Everyone is exhausted right now. The frenetic brightness of summer excitement and chaos has taken its toll.
Maybe you're a mother who has been home all summer with kids needing rides, snacks, and meals. Or perhaps you're juggling work while managing family logistics with no time for self-care.
Maybe you're childless by choice or circumstance, but you've been the reliable friend saying "yes" to every invitation, caring for aging parents, or managing demanding career responsibilities.
Regardless of your circumstances, summer's demands have left you drained. Those plans that seemed appealing in May now feel overwhelming. What you really want is a quiet room, a good book, and maybe a nap—not another commitment.
Why This Hits Us Harder
We're all prone to late-summer burnout, but those of us in perimenopause and menopause feel it most acutely. Why? Because there wasn't enough water in the well to begin with. We've been operating from a deficit.
This week, so many of my clients have expressed the same sentiment: they're ready for quieter times—cooler nights, better sleep, less stimulation. While the sun has warmed our skin and given us beautiful tans, it has also left us a bit parched and yearning for the restorative time that cooler months will bring.
Gentle Ways to Replenish
As we transition into fall, here are some nurturing practices to help restore your energy:
Honor the natural rhythm: Just as nature begins to slow down, give yourself permission to do the same
Prioritize restorative activities: Choose a good book over another social commitment
Embrace the hygge: Light candles, make warm tea, create cozy spaces that invite rest
Listen to your body: If you're craving more sleep, earlier bedtimes, or quieter evenings, honor those signals
Remember, this exhaustion isn't a personal failing—it's your wise body asking for what it needs. Yes, you can honor this transition and emerge more energized for the season ahead!
Latest blog post
Home Remedies for a Good Night's Sleep
"Sleep is the best meditation." – Dalai Lama
Nothing seems to solve more problems than a fabulous night's sleep. Yet for so many women, quality sleep remains elusive—whether it's taking forever to fall asleep while ruminating on the day's problems, or habitually waking between 1 and 3 AM, stressed about what tomorrow might bring.
In my latest blog post, I share gentle, natural remedies that have helped countless women reclaim their nights. From ancient Chinese medicine wisdom to simple bedtime rituals, these approaches honor your body's natural desire for deep, restorative sleep.
With inadequate sleep, life feels overwhelmingly out of control. But with enough quality rest, we suddenly have the resources to face challenges with equanimity and a fresh mind. These aren't just tips—they're invitations to transform your relationship with sleep itself.
What I'm listening to
A conversation with Thelma Schoonmaker, the editor of every Martin Scorsese film since Raging Bull
I was absolutely captivated by this interview with Thelma Schoonmaker—the woman behind the man, in this case, Martin Scorsese. She's been his editor, sounding board, and creative partner for 60 years, working on iconic films including Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
What fascinated me most was how she describes that the violence in their films isn't so much filmed as it is created by her work in the editing room. The artistry happens in the quiet moments of decision-making, frame by frame.
I love the origin story of their partnership—how they met when he was an unknown film student and she helped him with an editing problem, creating a lifelong friendship and extraordinary body of work that continues to this day.
If you're ready to retreat from summer's chaos with a thoughtful film, and you happen to select one of theirs, it's wonderful to hear the story of such an accomplished woman still creating her legacy at age 85. There's something inspiring about witnessing a woman who has mastered the art of collaboration while maintaining her own creative vision.
Stay cozy and remember—autumn's quieter rhythms are exactly what your soul is craving right now.
Dr. Cat 🥰