Gen Z is increasingly feeling the pressure to have the 'ultimate summer,' driven by social media trends like 'summermaxxing' that promote constant socialising and travel. Psychotherapist Dr Olena Edwards-Skadowska warns that summer is becoming 'a performance rather than a pleasure.'
Social Media Fuels 'Summermaxxing' Trend
The term 'summermaxxing' encourages young people to live life to the fullest during the warmer months or regret it when winter comes. Social media feeds are flooded with Euro summer packing videos, Greek island hopping, and influencers urging followers to take breaks from work to focus on summer. A Skyscanner study found that 43% of Gen Z travellers prioritise trips that look good on social media, highlighting the pervasive influence of online validation.
Psychological Toll on Young Adults
Dr Edwards-Skadowska explains that the 'ultimate summer' narrative creates a 'very real psychological pressure,' where every weekend feels like it should be a highlight reel, and rest starts to feel like failure. Psychologist Carolina Traverso identifies 'sunshine guilt' — the nagging feeling of wasting warm days when choosing to stay indoors. This guilt is especially acute for 20-somethings in their 'decade of freedom,' who feel they must make the most of their youth before settling down.
Expert Advice on Overcoming FOMO
Deidre Bowen from Mental Health UK notes that young people often struggle with the heightened pressure to be constantly socialising, driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO). Social media intensifies these pressures by presenting distorted, highlight-reel versions of others' lives. To combat this, the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offers tips: reduce pressure by remembering social media isn't real life; do activities you genuinely enjoy; slow down and learn to say no; look after your health; and set a budget to avoid financial strain.
Embracing a Restorative Summer
Dr Edwards-Skadowska advises listening to your body: 'Does the body call for rest, or for a change of pace?' She emphasises that real mental health in summer means doing 'exactly as much as nourishes you — not what impresses others.' The article concludes that summer doesn't need to be extraordinary to be meaningful, and quiet moments can be just as fulfilling as raves or festivals.
