I've been trying to keep that likasummer energy going lately, even when the weather outside isn't exactly cooperating. You know that specific feeling you get in mid-July? It's that moment when the sun is just starting to dip, the air is still warm enough that you don't need a jacket, and there's absolutely nowhere you need to be. It's a mix of freedom, warmth, and a total lack of urgency.
The problem is, for most of us, that feeling is pretty fleeting. We get a few months of it, and then the grey skies roll in, the sweaters come out of storage, and we go back into "survival mode" until next May. But lately, I've been thinking: why do we let the calendar dictate our mood so much? There's something to be said for adopting a permanent likasummer mindset, regardless of whether there's snow on the ground or a heatwave outside.
What exactly is a likasummer mindset?
To me, living likasummer isn't about ignoring reality or pretending it's 90 degrees in January. It's more about capturing the ease of the season. In the summer, everything feels a bit more fluid. You're more likely to say "yes" to a random invite, you eat lighter, you spend more time outside, and you generally give yourself a break.
When we lose that, we tend to get stiff. We get stuck in routines that feel heavy. The goal is to figure out which parts of that summer magic are actually portable. It's about finding those little pockets of warmth and spontaneity even when life feels a bit cold and structured.
Turning your space into a permanent getaway
Your environment has a massive impact on how you feel. If your house feels dark and cramped, you're never going to feel that open, airy likasummer vibe. You don't have to go full "beach house decor" with seashells and anchors everywhere—in fact, please don't—but a few small tweaks can change the whole energy of a room.
Let the light in (for real)
We've all heard about "light therapy," but honestly, just cleaning your windows makes a huge difference. It sounds like a chore your parents would nag you about, but clear glass lets in so much more natural light. Also, swap out those heavy, dark curtains for something sheer. Even in the winter, having sunlight filter through a light fabric feels way more likasummer than being boxed in by heavy velvet drapes.
Scent is a powerful thing
It's wild how much our brains associate smell with memory. If you walk into a room that smells like coconut, lime, or fresh-cut grass, your brain instantly does a little "oh, it's summer" dance. I'm a big fan of candles or diffusers that lean into those brighter, citrusy notes. Avoid the heavy "cinnamon spice" stuff if you're trying to keep the vibe light. You want things that smell clean and breezy.
Dressing the part without freezing
It's easy to feel likasummer when you're wearing a linen shirt and flip-flops. It's a lot harder when you're bundled up in three layers of wool just to go to the grocery store. But you can still bring some of that seasonal lightness into your wardrobe through color and texture.
Instead of defaulting to black, navy, and charcoal the second the leaves turn brown, try keeping some of those lighter tones in rotation. Cream, soft yellows, and faded blues can go a long way in keeping your spirits up. And let's talk about linen. People think it's only for the beach, but a good linen blend can actually be quite cozy if layered correctly. It's all about keeping that tactile reminder of warmer days against your skin.
The flavors of the season
Food is probably the easiest way to trick your brain into a likasummer state of mind. In the winter, we tend to eat a lot of "heavy" food—stews, roasts, lots of carbs. And while that's great for comfort, it can also make you feel pretty sluggish.
Try to mix in some of those bright, acidic flavors that define summer cooking. I'm talking about fresh herbs like mint and basil, plenty of lemon juice, and raw veggies. Even if you're eating a hot meal, a hit of fresh lime or a side of crisp greens can make the whole experience feel a lot more likasummer.
And don't get me started on drinks. There is no law saying you can't have a cold, fizzy drink with a slice of cucumber in the middle of November. Sometimes, just holding a glass that feels like it belongs on a patio is enough to shift your perspective for twenty minutes.
Small habits to keep the glow
Beyond the stuff you buy or the clothes you wear, being likasummer is mostly about how you spend your time. During the actual summer, we tend to be more active. We go for walks after dinner because it's still light out. We sit on the porch. We talk to our neighbors.
Keep the "after-dinner" walk alive
Even if it's chilly, getting outside for fifteen minutes after you eat is a game changer. It breaks up the evening and stops you from just collapsing onto the couch for four hours of Netflix. That movement and fresh air—even if it's cold air—keeps that sense of "living" rather than just "existing."
Spontaneity is key
The best part of summer is the lack of a rigid plan. "Hey, do you want to grab a drink?" "Sure." In the winter, we tend to over-schedule or just stay home because it's "too much work" to go out. To stay likasummer, you've gotta fight that urge to hibernate. Keep a little bit of that "let's see what happens" energy alive. Say yes to the random Tuesday night movie or the last-minute coffee date.
Why we need this feeling right now
I think the reason people are so drawn to the likasummer concept is that the world feels pretty heavy lately. We're constantly bombarded with news and stress, and the "grind" never really seems to stop. Summer represents the one time of year where we feel like we have permission to relax.
But we shouldn't need permission. We shouldn't have to wait for the Earth to tilt a certain way to feel a sense of ease. By bringing these little elements into our daily lives—whether it's through our home, our food, or just our general attitude—we can create our own internal weather.
It's not about being delusional or ignoring the seasons. It's just about choosing to carry a bit of that light with you. It makes the cold days feel shorter and the stressful days feel a bit more manageable. So, maybe put on some upbeat music, open the blinds, and try to find a way to make today feel just a little bit likasummer. You might be surprised at how much it changes your outlook.
Anyway, that's just what's been on my mind lately. Life is too short to only feel good for three months out of the year. We might as well try to keep the sun shining in our own heads, even when the clouds are doing their own thing outside. It's all about that vibe, right? Stay warm, stay easy, and keep it likasummer.