(F.O.M.O: fear of missing out)
In Chicago, sunny days are precious—and fleeting. After a long winter and moody spring, the urge to soak up every ounce of sunshine can be overwhelming. But with that urgency can come a unique kind of anxiety: the feeling that you should be doing something fun, social, or Instagram-worthy every moment the sun is out. This is FOMO in full swing, and while it may seem harmless, it can undermine your well-being, increase stress, and prevent you from truly enjoying the season.
Let’s walk through a few mindful strategies to keep your summer joyful and grounded, not pressure-filled.
Don’t: Check the weather every hour, especially while you’re at work.
Constantly refreshing your weather app is like watching an hourglass—you’ll feel the minutes of potential fun slipping away. This habit creates a sense of scarcity and panic, which can ramp up anxiety.
Do: Invite the outdoors into your day.
Take small, intentional steps to engage with the sunshine, even on a workday. Ride your bike to the office. Take your lunch or coffee break outside. Hold a walking meeting or suggest an outdoor patio for that 1:1. You can enjoy the day without needing to chase the perfect plan.
Don’t: Over-plan, overbook, or delay deciding out of fear.
Trying to do everything is a recipe for burnout. So is holding off on committing to plans because “something better might come along.” That indecision leads to more stress and, ironically, fewer fulfilling moments.
Do: Make one good plan, and be present for it.
Choose one meaningful activity per day or weekend block. Then dive in. Bonus: If the weather is unpredictable, build a gentle backup plan, but don’t obsess over it. The goal is to simplify, not strategize your summer like a military operation.
Don’t: Push yourself to say yes to everything just because it’s nice out.
The allure of rooftop drinks or beach hangs is strong, but pause first. Are you behind on work? Running on no sleep? Financially stretched? Just because the sun is out doesn’t mean your real-life needs go away. You’ll enjoy social outings far more when you’re not drained, distracted, or resentful.
Do: Honor your bandwidth and your calendar.
There will be more sunny days. Remind yourself of the summer plans already in place—concerts, vacations, park hangs, or backyard barbecues. If you’re not up for something today, you’re not “missing out.” You’re pacing yourself. That’s not laziness—that’s sustainability.
Don’t: Obsess over what others are doing on social media.
That gorgeous rooftop pic? It might have been a 10-minute outing. That friend on a boat? They may have taken PTO that you don’t have. Instagram often shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes realities. Comparing yourself to others’ curated feeds can rob you of your own peace.
Do: Check in with your real self, not your digital self.
Close the apps. Take a breath. Look around and ask yourself, What do I need in this moment? Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s a connection. Maybe it’s solo time at the lake with a book. Let your values—not your feed—guide your next move.
Final Thought:
They say summer is a state of mind—and that’s exactly where your power lies. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to be where your feet are. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, an impromptu cookout, or simply not panicking over how to “make the most” of a sunny day, slowing down allows you to feel more joy, not force it.
Let go of the pressure to chase perfection. There is no “right” way to do summer—just your way.
Updated 7/25
