August 15, 2024
The Dog Days of Summer
I’m sitting at a patio in downtown Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, taking refuge from the sultry heat and heavy rainfall from a nearby hurricane sweeping past to the east.
Beside me is one small dog curled up against the wall.
In front of me is another dog huddled under a table in chairs, with a beseeching gaze in my direction.
It is ‘the dog days of August’… historically connected with the rising of the star system Sirius (nick-named The Dog Star) at this time of year.
And, it has been correlated with the uncomfortable heat, drought, lethargy, and despair that this time in the summer season usually brings our way.
Parents of restless school-age children and those of us who have had enough ‘dog days’ are anxiously awaiting September!
What can we do to manage whatever distress we might be feeling at this time?
Here are 5 possible suggestions…
1. Plan something to look forward to… something you’ve never had a chance to do this summer, or something to anticipate for September.
2. Get moving. Go for a drive. Find a pool or body of water to soak in. Get some aerobic exercise going for yourself in the early morning or pre-sunset time of day.
3. Find a distraction… a good book, movie, or activity to immerse yourself in and divert your focus away from these hot days.
4. Make a connection with someone. Go for coffee or a meal to help move through this time with another person. Most distress is better managed with someone to share it with!
5. Stay hopeful. A friend just texted me during my refuge here from the storm with the words “this too shall pass”. She was right. The sky cleared, rain stopped, and I was able to make my way back to our condo unscathed!
So, from me and my two new canine friends on the patio, what are you doing to navigate the dog days of summer left in front of us?
