What is sunshine guilt exactly?

Sunshine guilt is the feeling of guilt you can experience on sunny days when you are not actively outside. You feel like you "should be doing something" with the nice weather, even if you don't have the time or energy for it.

Is sunshine guilt the same as FOMO?

They resemble each other, but are not exactly the same. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is broader about the idea of missing out on something in general, while sunshine guilt specifically revolves around the feeling of missing out on sunny days.

Why do you feel guilty when you stay inside on a sunny day?

This is often due to social expectations and the idea that you should make the most of the weather. Especially in a country like the Netherlands, where sunny days are scarce, the pressure to “make something of it” quickly arises.

How do you know if you are suffering from sunshine guilt?

You recognize it by feelings of restlessness, guilt, or inner turmoil on beautiful days. You want to relax, but at the same time feel the urge to do something active or social, purely because the sun is shining.

What can you do to reduce sunshine guilt?

Acknowledge your feelings, redefine what 'being outside' means, take short outdoor breaks, create a sunny atmosphere at home, plan ahead. The most important: be gentle with yourself.

Body & Mind

Sunshine guilt is real (and this is why you experience it)

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The last few days it might have been hard to imagine, but it really is almost summer. That means, if all goes well, that we will see the sun more often. On those warm days, we flock outside for some quality time with friends. It almost feels like an obligation to make the most of the summer weather. Do you recognize that feeling? Then you probably suffer from sunshine guilt. Don't worry, you're really not the only one and there are solutions.

What is sunshine guilt?

Those who suffer from sunshine guilt feel guilty on days when the weather is really nice. Not necessarily because the sun is shining, but because you feel like you have to be outside and do something active. With various obligations from, for example, your work, that is not always possible, and sometimes you just need a relaxed afternoon on the couch. You can see it a bit as the spring and summer variant of FOMO; you are afraid of missing out while others are spending the day outside. You feel obliged to go for a walk or meet up on the terrace, even though that doesn't really fit or feel right. According to therapists, sunshine guilt can especially play a role if you are already a bit perfectionistic or place a lot of value on the opinions of others. The struggle between listening to your own wishes and resting or meeting the expectations of your environment and being active outside can be quite exhausting.

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Where does sunshine guilt come from?

That many people suffer from sunshine guilt is actually not so strange. We all recognize the idea that we should fill our days as productively as possible. The more active you are, the better. Additionally, there is the belief that being outside is always better than staying indoors. But that is not true. If you notice that your body needs more relaxation inside, for example by reading a book on the couch, then it is actually good to listen to that. Good self-care is always a must. What makes all this just a little bit more difficult is that we see sunny days in our rainy Netherlands as something rare. When the weather is nice, we feel the urge to make the most of it; the next beautiful day might take a long time to come. If you can't spend such a day outside, it feels like a missed opportunity and you can suffer from sunshine guilt.

These are the signs of sunshine guilt

With sunshine guilt, you will mainly notice that you feel restless. You might experience just a bit of discomfort, but it can also become stronger and really cause a frantic feeling. You will notice that you can't relax and become irritable. You are actually continuously in discussion with yourself; on one hand, you want to rest and recharge, on the other hand, you want to be useful. Because of that inner struggle, you can't relax, but you also can't concentrate on the tasks you want or need to do. It is, in any case, a lost race that is mainly very exhausting.

This is how to tackle sunshine guilt

Sunshine guilt can really get in your way, but fortunately, there are various things you can do to let it go and enjoy the sunny days in a relaxed manner.

1. Acknowledge your feeling
Step one in dealing with sunshine guilt is acknowledging that you are affected by it. Taking a moment to realize that you feel the pressure to go outside but actually need rest can help you be less hard on yourself.

2. Consider what being outside means
When you think of making the most of the nice weather and being outside, you might first think of an extensive hike or a full afternoon program with friends, but it can be much simpler. It can also mean having your coffee in the backyard or on your balcony. With that thought, it will be much easier to meet your expectations, which can reduce the feeling of pressure.

3. Take short outdoor breaks
On a busy workday, it won't always be possible to go outside for a long time. However, you can still reduce your sunshine guilt during those moments. For example, take a few minutes out of your lunch break for a short walk, or move your phone call or meeting with your colleague outside. This way, you stay productive, but you can also enjoy the weather for a bit. A win-win situation, right?

4. Bring the sun indoors
If you can't go outside, you can try to bring the sun inside. By brightening up your home with colorful flowers and throwing all your curtains wide open, you create a light and summery effect. This way, it feels a bit like you are pausing to appreciate the nice weather. sun 5. Plan ahead.

Maybe it doesn't work out well now to spend a lot of time outside, but you might have more time and space for it later. By planning an outdoor activity in advance, you have something to look forward to and can reassure yourself. You will make use of the summer weather, just at a different time.
6. Be kind to yourself.

Actually the most important tip of all: don't be too hard on yourself. Being productive is not the same as being busy. Rest can yield just as much for your mental and physical well-being and is therefore just as important. It is good to listen to your own needs and fill the day in a way that feels good for you. There will really be more sunny days ahead, and enjoying them can happen in various ways; even indoors.
Women’s Health.

Source: ginasingels. Image: Instagram | A sunny day has not only advantages.