Another summer is drawing to a close. Long days at the pool, picnics in the sun, afternoon barbecues, and warm nights are almost things of the past — at least for another year. Before you know it, the sun will be setting earlier, the temperature will be dropping, and your shorts and T-shirts will be packed away.

If these thoughts fill you with despair, you’re not alone. A simple Google search of “sad about summer ending” reveals plenty of results, proving that the end-of-summer blues is indeed a real thing.

The transition from summer to fall can be challenging, especially if you love warm weather and being outside. But it doesn’t have to be something you dread. We consulted experts to learn about how to embrace the end of summer. Here’s their advice.

How to embrace the end of summer

Stay in the moment

Remember, summer isn’t quite over yet. Take time to treasure the remainder of the season. Jordan Brown, a licensed professional counselor and owner of No Worries Wellness, says “try your best to stay present to enjoy the rest of summer while it is still here.”

Spend time outdoors

Brown also suggests getting out of the house and enjoying the scenery. “Spend more time outdoors/in nature to relish in the beauty of summer in your area (and boost your vitamin D and reduce your stress while you’re at it!),” she says.

Be grateful for the summer you had

“Take a few moments to meditate or think about positive aspects of the summer and how they added to your life,” says Jared Heathman, MD, a psychiatrist based in Houston.

He recommends pondering what you did over the summer, how it impacted you, and whether you went through any internal or external changes. “Notice how these positive aspects helped your overall well-being,” he notes.

Look forward to the future

Although summer is ending, the growth you experienced will remain with you in the months to come, Heathman says. “Consider what you are looking forward to in the coming season and ask yourself how you will carry forward what you have learned,” he adds.

The change of seasons is one of life’s patterns. Every few months, the weather shifts and we have to adjust. If you find that you always feel apprehensive about the seasons changing, how can you reframe your mindset to be OK with this switch?

Brown advises taking note of what you appreciate about all the seasons, even if it’s something small. “Our brains tend to naturally focus on the negatives first and foremost,” she says. “Because of this, we can easily see only what is wrong with the other seasons, so take some time to think about what is good about them.”

Moreover, she emphasizes that it’s crucial to alter your way of thinking because change is inevitable. Try not to worry about things that are out of your hands. “Focusing on what you can control instead of what you can’t control is an important piece of anxiety and stress management,” Brown says.