Fighting June Gloom with Fruit, Flavor & Fresh Starts

The Oceanside Pier and Pacific coastline cloaked in June Gloom—a signature coastal weather pattern in Southern California. This moody marine layer brings overcast skies and cooler temperatures to the beach, capturing the unique seasonal atmosphere of Oceanside in early summer.

Because seasonal depression deserves a seasonal response.

Here in coastal Southern California, June doesn’t always show up the way we hope, (I know, I know, poor us;). Instead of golden sunshine and backyard BBQs, we’re met with a moody marine layer—what locals lovingly (and not-so-lovingly) call June Gloom.

But this year, I’m not letting it drag me down. I’m responding with what’s in season, what’s within reach, and what actually helps:
🍓 Berries, laughter, whipped cream, and a fresh start.

☁️ The Gloom Is Real—But So Is the Remedy

It’s not just the weather—it’s the vibe. June Gloom can seriously mess with your mood and motivation. When the days are overcast and cool, it’s easy to slip into a sluggish state. Your body doesn’t quite believe it’s summer. Your brain still thinks it’s February.

If you're like me—working from home, running multiple projects, and juggling creativity with structure—the lack of light can drain your momentum. And if you’re someone who thrives on inspiration, environment, and beauty (hello, fellow aesthetes), then June Gloom might feel like a block.

It’s tempting to wait it out. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with another approach.

When the skies are low, I go higher.
I shift my surroundings, shift my mindset, and shift what I put on my plate.

This isn’t about forcing fake joy—it’s about reconnecting to what’s real and nourishing, even when the weather isn’t.

🍓 Why Seasonal Fruit Can Change Everything

When the sky’s gray, I head to a farmers market, Mellanos farm stand, or our very own Frazier Farms.

Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, nectarines—this is their moment to shine. They taste like sunlight, even when you haven’t seen the sun in three weeks. And beyond their bright flavors and colors, they do something deeper:
They remind us that the Earth is still doing her thing. That seasons still cycle. That ripeness, sweetness, and growth are still happening—even when you’re in a fog.

🧠 Fruit, Focus & Function

I don’t just eat fruit because it’s pretty (though it is). I eat it because it helps me function.

When June Gloom hits, so does brain fog. But simple, nourishing meals—think Greek yogurt or collagen whipped cream, with strawberries blueberries and walnuts, or almond butter with sliced stone fruit—give my body the stability I need to work, parent, create, and think clearly.

Nutrition isn’t just about looks or weight. It’s about executive function.

“When the weather drags us down, our brains follow. These kinds of simple, protein-rich meals help your body stabilize, which helps your mind focus. It’s not just self-care—it’s brain-care for busy people.”

🥣 This Meal = A Boundary You Can Taste

Sometimes the most radical thing I do in June is pause in the middle of the day, step away from my screen, and build myself a snack like it matters.

Because it does matter.

“Taking 10 minutes to make something for yourself in the middle of a chaotic day can be a tangible way to draw a boundary—this is my time. This is my joy.”

Even if the laundry isn’t done. Even if the inbox is full. Especially then.

🔄 Reset Season Starts in the Kitchen

I talk a lot about resetting schedules or cleaning up digital calendars—but honestly?
Your calendar isn’t the only thing that needs a reset.

June is a perfect time to reset your nervous system, your energy rhythms, and your relationship with how you nourish yourself.

That bowl of fruit isn’t just a snack. It’s a signal:
→ That beauty still exists.
→ That joy can be simple.
→ That you get to start fresh—again and again and again.

🌤 Bonus Tip: Chase the Sun, If You Can

If you’re coastal like me, a quick drive inland can make a world of difference. Escondido, Vista, San Marcos—just 15/30 minutes away and suddenly it’s 85 degrees and the sky is blue. If you’ve got portable work, take it with you. Sunshine is free therapy.

🥄 Final Thought

June Gloom is part of the Southern California rhythm. But it doesn’t have to rule you.
Respond with something grounded, vibrant, and alive.
Fruit. Flavor. A fresh start. A moment that belongs only to you.

What’s your go-to June Gloom remedy? Share it with me in the comments or tag @c_c_living with your seasonal snack of choice. Bonus points if whipped cream is involved.