How To Survive Fogust in San Francisco: A Somatic Therapist’s Tips and Tricks
San Francisco, with its golden bridge, eclectic neighborhoods, and vibrant, varied culture, can seem like something out of a fairytale. That is. . .until summer hits. What people don’t know is that the months of July and August (sometimes begrudgingly called Fogust by the locals) can bring an overwhelming amount of fog that doesn’t clear in the afternoons. The unrelenting grey skies can be somewhat jarring when much of the rest of the world is experiencing a more Hollywoodesque summertime: the heat, the sunscreen, the short shorts are not needed in San Francisco in summer. With the long overcast sky can come an accompanying change in mood. As a somatic therapist in San Francisco, not only have I seen the dip in mood in my clients but have also experienced it myself. So how do we combat what amounts to a form of seasonal depression when it crops up uninvited in the middle of summer? Below I share tips to manage your mood (in San Francisco summer and basically whenever depressed mood arrives).
A Somatic Therapist in San Francisco’s Tips to Survive Fogust (or Seasonal Affective Disorder)
1) Get outside within 15 minutes of waking up. Even if you go outside to a grey sky, it helps to regulate hormones (which impact sleep and mood). Speaking of sleep. . .
2) Make sure to get enough sleep that you wake up rested (but don’t oversleep). That’s right, that whole sleep hygiene thing of going to sleep and waking up at the same time is critical for boosting and maintaining a good mood. Not only does good sleep hygiene help regulate mood but it also helps us be resilient when challenges come up in life. It’s always easier to tackle a problem, no matter if it is large or small, when well-rested. And avoid the snooze button!
3) Consider getting a light therapy box. Please consult your healthcare provider before doing this option. However, generally you should use a light therapy box first thing in the morning for 20-30 minutes. You can also read this article by the Mayo Clinic for a brief overview of how to choose and use a light therapy box.
4) Do some form of exercise every day. Do you know why I, as a somatic therapist with many tools at my disposal, still recommend exercise to my clients? Because it works. Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a difference in your mood. If you can’t do twenty minutes, start with five minutes. If you can’t do five minutes, start with two. Every bit counts.
5) Socialize with friends. Humans are social creatures and we need connection. If you invest in your relationships, they invest in you and improve your mood. So be sure to make time for friends, even or especially when you are tempted to cancel.
6) Take small trips to a sunnier place. Ironically, in SF, if you go twenty minutes east or north you will quickly be engulfed in sunshine (sorry East Bay folks, we know it’s hot out there). So even if you can only do it on the weekend, make a trip to a sunny place.
Lastly, if you are still feeling down or depressed, please consider reaching out to a therapist. I am happy to help connect you to someone, if you are not looking for a somatic therapist but need recommendations. Reach out to me at lisa@lisamanca.com.
If you are curious about Somatic Therapy in San Francisco, please read the FAQs included below.
FAQs About Somatic Therapy San Francisco
1. Do I need to have dance experience or a particular type of movement experience?
Not at all. Dance therapy isn’t about choreography or performance—it’s about exploration. You move in ways that feel authentic and safe to you.
2. What if I feel uncomfortable in my body?
That’s actually one of the most common reasons people come to this work. We go slowly and compassionately. Your comfort and consent are always prioritized.
3. Is this therapy or coaching?
This is therapy. I’m a licensed mental health professional and a board certified dance therapist. We work with both emotional and physical experiences to support deep healing.
4. How is somatic therapy different than talk therapy?
Somatic therapy (in particular dance therapy) involves building body awareness to help us understand our emotional landscapes. You will move your body AND process the movement and what is happening within the body.
5.How often do we meet?
Weekly sessions are recommended. Consistency is key, especially early on as we build trust and momentum.
6. Can we do somatic therapy virtually?
Yes! Many clients choose online sessions and find the work still very powerful, even through a screen. I’ll guide you in creating a supportive space at home.
7. What if I cry or feel overwhelmed during a session?
That’s okay. Big feelings are welcome here. You’ll never be left alone in those moments—we’ll move through them together.
8. What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
Somatic therapy often works when other modalities don’t, especially if you’ve struggled to connect with your emotions or body. This approach goes beyond insight and into embodied change.
9. Does somatic therapy help with trauma?
Yes, many of my clients are healing from developmental, relational, or complex trauma. Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for trauma recovery.
10. How do I know if somatic therapy is right for me?
We’ll figure that out together. The free consult is a great time to talk through what you’re needing and whether this work aligns.
11. What should I wear to sessions?
Anything comfortable that lets you move freely. No need to dress up. Come as you are.
References: