Don't Let Seattle's Summer FOMO Steal Your Joy!
For many, Seattle Summers conjure images of long, blissful days, endless sunshine, and outdoor adventures. But if you're a true Seattlite, you know the unspoken truth: summer here can feel less like a vacation and more like a high-stakes race against the clock.
I get it. After months of gray skies and misty mornings, that precious window of warmth and sunshine feels incredibly, desperately short. This scarcity often ignites a unique brand of "Summer FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) in our city. Suddenly, every sunny day feels like a mandatory obligation to be outside, to maximize, to do all the things before the inevitable return of the rain. And while the intention is good – to soak up every last ray – the reality can be a whirlwind of over-scheduling, rushing, and a pervasive sense of anxiety that leaves us feeling utterly depleted rather than rejuvenated.
This isn't just about feeling busy; it's about a deep-seated exhaustion that stems from the pressure to optimize every moment. The relentless pursuit of the "perfect Seattle summer" can ironically rob us of the very joy we're seeking.
So, how can we reclaim our summer and infuse it with genuine intentionality and connection, rather than allowing it to become a source of stress? Let's explore some powerful tools from different therapeutic models that can help.
Reclaiming Your Summer: Tools for Intentionality
1. Mindful Prioritization (Drawing from CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Our thoughts often drive our actions and feelings. If your internal monologue is screaming, "You HAVE to do everything this summer or you'll regret it!", it's no wonder you feel exhausted.
Identify Your "Must-Dos" vs. "Nice-to-Dos": Grab a pen and paper. What truly matters to you this summer? Is it a specific hike, a few relaxed evenings with friends, or simply more time to read in the sunshine? Be honest with yourself. Separate these essential joys from the endless list of possibilities.
Challenge All-or-Nothing Thinking: Just because you can't go to every festival or hike every trail doesn't mean your summer is a bust. Practice reframing your thoughts. Instead of "I missed out on X," try "I chose to prioritize Y, and that was fulfilling."
Schedule "Unscheduled" Time: Ironically, sometimes the most intentional thing you can do is intentionally not schedule something. Block out time in your calendar for spontaneous relaxation, quiet reflection, or simply "being."
2. Befriending Your Inner Critic (Drawing from IFS - Internal Family Systems)
In IFS, we understand that we have different "parts" within us. That frantic, anxious part pushing you to do more, more, more? It often has good intentions – perhaps it's trying to protect you from regret or ensure you experience joy.
Acknowledge the "Driven Part": Instead of fighting the urge to over-schedule, try to get curious about it. You might say to yourself, "I notice a part of me feeling anxious about missing out on summer activities."
Listen to Its Concerns: What is this part afraid will happen if you don't do everything? Does it fear regret? Does it worry about wasting time?
Offer Reassurance and Compassion: Once you understand its motivation, you can reassure this part. "Thank you for trying to make sure I have a good summer. I appreciate your effort. But right now, pushing so hard is actually making me feel more stressed than joyful. I'm going to choose to slow down, and that's okay."
Connect with Your "Self": IFS believes we all have a core "Self" – a place of calm, compassion, curiosity, and courage. When you connect with your Self, you can make choices that truly align with your well-being, rather than being driven by anxious parts.
3. The Power of "Enough" (A Mindful Approach)
In our hustle culture, the concept of "enough" often feels elusive. But embracing "enough" is crucial for combating summer exhaustion.
Quality Over Quantity: One truly present and joyful experience often outweighs ten rushed and anxious ones. Focus on the quality of your interactions and activities.
Savor the Small Moments: The fleeting warmth on your skin, the smell of fresh rain after a sunny day, the sound of cicadas – these are the subtle gifts of summer. Practice noticing and appreciating them.
Define Your Own Success: What does a successful summer look like for you? Is it a long list of accomplished activities, or a feeling of peace, connection, and rejuvenation? Give yourself permission to define it on your own terms.
This summer, let's collectively reframe our relationship with Seattle's precious sunshine. Instead of a frantic sprint, let's cultivate a season of intentionality, presence, and genuine joy. Your mind and body will thank you.
Ready to explore these tools further and build a more mindful, fulfilling life? SentirSeattle offers compassionate and effective counseling services tailored to your unique needs. Visit SentirSeattle.com to learn more about how we can support you.