On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in late July, Casey Blustein packed his tennis racket into his bag and headed to the waterfront tennis courts at Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. With the temperature reaching a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius, he decided to make the most of his lunch hour away from his desk.
Blustein, a 32-year-old who moved from Toronto to Vancouver four summers ago, prioritizes outdoor activities during the limited summer season in Canada. He mentioned that he rarely uses his Xbox or catches up on shows during the summer months because there are always opportunities for beach outings, bike rides, or backcountry adventures that beckon him away from city life.
Psychologists note that many individuals experience “sunshine guilt” during the summer, feeling pressure to maximize their time outdoors due to the fleeting nature of the season in Canada. This phenomenon can lead to a sense of urgency to make the most of the nice weather and can trigger anxiety about missing out on enjoyable activities while indoors.
Aurora Tejeida, a 36-year-old who grew up in Mexico and now resides in Vancouver, emphasized the importance of seizing sunny days and making the most of them. She mentioned moving her book club meetings outdoors to enjoy the weather and relieve the overwhelming guilt of staying indoors when the sun is shining.
Robyn Manzano, a registered psychologist from Calgary, highlighted that addressing summertime guilt can be as simple as spending a few moments outside or taking indoor activities outdoors. Small adjustments like having a picnic, reading a book outside, or enjoying leisure time in the sun can help alleviate feelings of guilt.
Emily Hemendinger, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Colorado, emphasized the significance of self-compassion and mindfulness during the summer. She advised individuals to focus on the present moment, practice self-care, and acknowledge that not every summer day needs to be packed with activities.
In his approach to managing summer guilt, Blustein structures his workday to accommodate outdoor activities and work tasks. While he thrives on the energy of the summer season, he acknowledges that others may struggle with finding a balance between relaxation and outdoor pursuits during the warmer months.