06/15/2026
Plot Twist: Fun Can Be Exhausting
Ever come back from a vacation needing a vacation?
Or finish a fun-filled weekend feeling like you've been hit by a truck?
You're not imagining it.
We tend to think stress only comes from things we don't enjoy. But your nervous system isn't sitting there judging your calendar.
It doesn't care whether you're stuck in traffic or headed to the beach.
It doesn't care whether you're hosting a birthday party or preparing for a work presentation.
It just knows one thing: demand.
More driving. More activities. More late nights. More social events. More kids' sports. More travel. More sun. More movement. More everything.
Summer is often marketed as the season of relaxation, but for many people it's actually one of the busiest times of the year.
That's why this time of year we often hear patients say things like:
"I don't know why I'm so tired."
"My shoulders are so tight."
"I've been getting headaches again."
"I thought I'd feel better after vacation."
The goal isn't to avoid doing fun things. The goal is helping your body adapt to all the things you want to do.
That's where taking care of your nervous system becomes important. When your body is functioning well, it's better equipped to handle life's ups, downs, adventures, road trips, backyard cookouts, and spontaneous summer plans.
So if you're packing your schedule this summer, make sure you're also making room for recovery.
Because the best summer memories happen when you actually have the energy to enjoy them.