With finals creeping up, the best feeling is knowing I completed my work, all of my projects that took way too long to finish and any other assignments that were putting extra weight on me. The fact that I will be free to hang out with my friends almost every day is bliss, although sometimes no one is around. One week into summer, I already get shown photos and Instagram stories of all of my friends halfway across the world, while I am at home blasting my air conditioning and binge-watching television shows over and over again. I cannot afford many of these glamorous trips and I end up feeling envious of those who can “have it all” in one summer. Halfway through summer, I end up struggling with the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Being productive can be a struggle because I do not get my license until October, so even going to the beach or into the city is a lot to plan. However, I can still enjoy my summer even without the ability to drive. Instead of constantly going out of the house, I am able to give myself certain days to reset, helping me manage my mental health and avoid burnout.
Getting over FOMO can be difficult, but I ended up understanding that those fortunate people who can afford huge trips are not any more special than me. I can still plan trips that are just as fun as being on the coast of Brazil or in a spacious Airbnb, even if it is taking a walk to a park nearby with my dog and spending a few hours in the sun. Being in a travel sport makes up for any time I do not travel in the summer. I have been able to go to Las Vegas and Denver because of club volleyball, so I have learned to understand that I do not need to travel constantly.
Many people have a hard time with putting their phone down, but it can be a big step forward. Limiting my screen time or even just putting it down for an hour makes me feel less stressed because constantly checking my phone for news or insight on what everyone around me was doing built up that anxious feeling of FOMO. Instead of wallowing in my room, I took my dog for long hikes and would try to use up all of the time I was given. I realized that I was not maintaining my mental health as well as I should have; the constant stress of feeling like I had to go somewhere cool, get the perfect photos and post photos for anything I did even if no one would bat an eye at them was stressful.
Even if summer break means freedom and a break from school, the anxious feeling of trying to have the perfect summer still lingers. However, there are endless options to use up free time in the summer that can still be fun. I do not have to revolve my life around other people’s lives and can live my life how I want to.
