Summer, when the sun shines even brighter in California and the days grow longer. This is the time of the year when everyone seems to be having the time of their lives, going on vacations, attending festivals, and enjoying outdoor activities. It can be hard not to feel a little FOMO (fear of missing out) or anxiety during this season. FOMO is that nagging feeling that others are having more fun, living more fully, or experiencing more than you are. It’s driven by the constant influx of social media posts, where every scroll can spark envy and a sense of inadequacy. But, isn’t the point of having fun but also taking time for self-care and mental well-being?
How are you supposed to do it all? How can you balance the urge to join every party, adventure, and event while still prioritizing your own needs and self-care? It takes balance and intentionality, but it is possible. So, let’s talk about how to balance summer FOMO and self-care, because you deserve to have fun AND take care of yourself.
FOMO is Normal
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is normal in the summer. You hear about others’ summer plans as exams are ending, at team meetings, and through social media. FOMO is that gut feeling that you are missing out on the experiences of your friends or people in your age group. Of course, you want to take a tropical vacation to Bali, attend that music festival, or join the hiking trip to Yosemite. That’s because you’re human and crave connection with others. However, when you’re constantly feeling lonely or as if you’re not doing enough with your time in the summer, it can be exhausting. And it can take a toll on your mental well-being.
Because what happens when you feel as if you’re missing out? You overcompensate. You say yes to every invitation and overextend yourself, leading to burnout and neglecting your own needs. So, instead of being ready and excited for the art festival in Laguna Beach, you end up feeling drained and unable to enjoy it. This is where balance comes in. But first, what comes with FOMO?
The Feelings and Symptoms Associated with FOMO
As mentioned, FOMO is the anxiety or unease of missing out on experiences with others. It can show up in various ways and cause certain behaviors and symptoms. For instance, if your friends are at a concert, you may feel anxious or upset about not being there. Or, if everyone is attending a party that you can’t make it to, you can experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings can then lead to symptoms like restlessness, insecurity, and even depression in extreme cases. Some common feelings linked to FOMO include:
- Envy towards those who are participating in activities you feel as though you’re missing out on.
- Jealousy towards friends who seem to be having more fun than you.
- Inadequacy for not being able to keep up with everyone else’s summer plans.
- Loneliness if you feel as if you don’t have anyone to do fun things with.
- Guilt for saying no to invitations and prioritizing your own self-care.
- Anxiety about missing out on experiences that could potentially be life-changing or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Do these resonate with you? Then you might be experiencing FOMO. So, take a minute and think about what you want to prioritize this summer. Is it fun, self-care, or a healthy balance of both? However, if you’re not sure, anxiety treatment in Orange County, CA can help you work through these feelings and find a sense of balance.
Why Self-Care is Important
Now, let’s talk about self-care. It’s become a buzzword these days, but what does it actually mean? Self-care is the practice of intentionally taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It means prioritizing your needs and taking time for yourself to recharge and rejuvenate. And contrary to popular belief, self-care isn’t all bubble baths and face masks (although those can be part of it). It can also involve setting boundaries, saying no to things that drain you, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Self-care is important because it allows you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life. When you neglect yourself, it’s challenging to be a good friend, student, partner, or employee. It can also lead to burnout and other mental health issues. Does this make you think of all those times you’ve said, “yes!” when you really wanted to say “no”? Or when you pushed yourself to attend every event even though you were tired and needed a break? It’s time to change that narrative and prioritize self-care. Otherwise, you’re going to feel dysregulated and exhausted all summer long.
Finding Balance
So, how do you find balance between FOMO and self-care? How do you have fun while also taking care of yourself? The key is to be intentional and set boundaries. Here are some tips to help you find that balance:
Set Healthy Boundaries
When you’ve pushed yourself to the brink of exhaustion, it’s time to set healthy boundaries. That means learning to say “no” and not feeling guilty about it. You don’t have to attend every party or event that comes your way. Prioritize the ones that truly align with your values and make you happy. This way you don’t end up curled in a ball by the end of summer, wishing for some peace and quiet.
Also, setting boundaries around social media. Feeling jealous of your colleague’s trip to Bali or constantly comparing your summer plans to others’ can be draining. So, take a break from social media if it becomes too overwhelming and focus on your own experiences. This can look like temporarily silencing certain accounts or even deleting the app altogether for a while.
Practice Mindfulness
FOMO can be fueled by a constant need to stay connected and “in the know”. But constantly checking your phone or social media feeds can take you out of the present moment and prevent you from fully enjoying where you are. So, practice mindfulness, which means being fully present in the moment without judgment. Put down your phone when spending time with friends or attending events, and truly soak in the experience.
This can look like taking a nature walk, practicing meditation or yoga, or simply taking deep breaths and focusing on your surroundings. Allowing yourself to be fully present can help you let go of any feelings of FOMO and find contentment in the present moment. It gives your body and mind the pause they need so they can regulate once more.
Prioritize Your Needs
Maybe your friends, coworkers, or partner need to be at every event, but that doesn’t mean you have to as well. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a day off and prioritize your needs. If you’re having trouble balancing self-care and FOMO, a therapist in Orange County, CA can support you with anxiety treatment in Orange County, CA. They can help you identify your needs, set boundaries, and find a healthy balance that works for you.
For instance, if you are feeling overwhelmed with social events, schedule a self-care day or evening where you can recharge. Your therapist can also help you work through any underlying feelings of FOMO and find ways to cope with them in a healthy manner. Or, if you’re feeling too anxious to attend events, talking to your therapist via online therapy in California can help you find coping strategies and techniques to manage your anxiety.
FOMO and anxiety are common experiences during the summertime. But it’s essential to recognize their effects on your mental health and take steps towards finding a healthy balance between having fun and taking care of yourself. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing your needs can help you find that balance and enjoy the summer season without feeling overwhelmed by FOMO. Remember, it’s okay to say no and prioritize yourself – your well-being should always come first.
Have FOMO? Anxiety Treatment in Orange County, CA can Help
Struggling to find balance and manage your anxiety about missing out this summer? Anxiety treatment in Orange County, CA can provide you with the necessary tools and support to work through these feelings and find peace of mind. At Moxie Family Therapy, we know how challenging it can be to navigate FOMO and prioritize self-care. Our compassionate therapists are here to help you work through these feelings and find a sense of balance, so you can enjoy the summer season with intention and peace of mind. Whether that is in-person or through online therapy in California, our team of caring therapists are here to support you on your journey toward improved mental health. To start your therapy journey with Moxie Family Therapy, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Moxie Family Therapy
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Find Your Balance and Thrive!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Moxie Family Therapy
At Moxie Family Therapy, we know that FOMO can be just one of many challenges you may be facing. That’s why we offer a variety of therapy services for individuals, couples, and families in Orange County, CA. Along with anxiety treatment in Orange County, CA , we also offer a variety of therapy services online and in-person at our Orange County, CA-based practice. We offer counseling for young adults, children, women, teens, and couples. Additionally, we offer therapy for therapists, clinical supervision, adoption therapy, art therapy, and play therapy. Our team is also happy to support the LGBTQ+ community. Contact us today and let’s work together to find the right therapy services for you. You are not alone, and we are here to help you thrive! So don’t let FOMO hold you back from living your best life this summer. Reach out today and prioritize your mental health with the support of Moxie Family Therapy.
About the Author
Melissa Mellon, LMFT, is a compassionate therapist in Orange County, CA, who understands the challenges of navigating anxiety and FOMO while striving for balance this summer. She provides a safe and supportive space to work through concerns and develop effective coping strategies. Drawing on her experience with anxiety and trauma, Melissa helps clients build fulfilling and healthy lifestyles. She offers a consultation to see if she is a good fit for those looking to improve their mental health and make the most of their summer in Orange County.