(F.O.M.O: fear of missing out)
In Chicago, sunny days are preciousโand 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.
Letโs walk through a few mindful strategies to keep your summer joyful and grounded, not pressure-filled.
Donโt: Check the weather every hour, especially while youโre at work.
Constantly refreshing your weather app is like watching an hourglassโyouโll 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.
Donโt: 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 โsomething better might come along.โ 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 donโt obsess over it. The goal is to simplify, not strategize your summer like a military operation.
Donโt: 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 doesnโt mean your real-life needs go away. Youโll enjoy social outings far more when youโre 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 placeโconcerts, vacations, park hangs, or backyard barbecues. If youโre not up for something today, youโre not โmissing out.โ Youโre pacing yourself. Thatโs not lazinessโthatโs sustainability.
Donโt: 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 donโt have. Instagram often shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes realities. Comparing yourself to othersโ 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 itโs rest. Maybe itโs a connection. Maybe itโs solo time at the lake with a book. Let your valuesโnot your feedโguide your next move.
Final Thought:
They say summer is a state of mindโand thatโs exactly where your power lies. You donโt need to do everything. You just need to be where your feet are. Whether itโs a quiet morning walk, an impromptu cookout, or simply not panicking over how to โmake the mostโ 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 summerโjust your way.
Updated 7/25
