Summer Stress Is Real: Coping With FOMO, Social Anxiety, and Travel Overload

Summer is often seen as a season of sunshine, travel, and carefree fun. But for many people, it can bring unexpected stress, anxiety, and even sadness. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed while scrolling through friends’ European trips or dreading back-to-back summer wedding weekends, you’re not alone.

Here’s how to manage summer FOMO, travel stress, and social anxiety, while prioritizing your summer wellness.

Understanding the Role of Social Media in Summer FOMO  

Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok this time of year can create a false sense that “everyone else” is living their best life. This constant comparison can trigger feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, or restlessness leaving us feeling as if our plans are not good enough. 

Strategies to manage these feelings: 

1. Limit social media use or set time limits on apps. 

   1. Most devices have built-in digital well-being or screen time settings to help with this. Moving social apps off your home screen can also reduce the urge to check them constantly.

2. Unfollow accounts that leave you feeling drained rather than inspired. 

   1. Complete an audit of our accounts monthly to check if these accounts are adding value to your life. 

3. Focus on your own small joys and adding rituals to your routines

   1. Consider writing down a list of your favorite things and find ways to incorporate them. 

   2. Some examples could include quiet morning coffees, a sunset walk, or hosting a cozy night in with a close friend.

Travel and Event Overload: Why Summer Feels So Busy

Summer schedules can get overwhelming as many people take advantage of their PTO, finally experience that their “trip made it out of the group chat,” and simply enjoy the sun. While these events can be enjoyable, they often disrupt routines and leave little time to recharge. 

Strategies to manage event overload: 

1. Set boundaries by saying “no” to plans that feel more like an obligation. Ask yourself whether a commitment aligns with your core values. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to decline. If multiple commitments align with different values, rank your values by importance and match them to how you spend your time.

2. Plan for moments of rest even during trips by building “buffer time. Try to do this between trips and gatherings to allow yourself time to decompress. 

3. Prioritize what truly matters to you to avoid burnout. Often, that might mean catching up over coffee with a friend at a local café, not necessarily a full weekend camping trip you are not prepped for. 

   
   

Social Anxiety During Summer Gatherings

Large group events like BBQs, pool parties, and festivals can feel intimidating if you’re prone to social anxiety.

Strategies to manage social anxiety: 

1. Focus on smaller conversations or connect with just one or two people at a time.

2. Give yourself permission to leave early or pass on events that don’t align with your energy or core values. 

3. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing or visualization before heading out.

   
   

Remember, your summer doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. Whether that means exploring new places or savoring quiet evenings at home, what matters most is honoring what feels right for you. 

If balancing the season feels challenging, you don’t have to face it alone. Our caring therapists are here to support you in creating a summer that feels joyful, manageable, and uniquely yours.