New York City in the summer is magical. Rooftop parties, outdoor movies, concerts in the park, weekend getaways, pop-ups, art openings, food festivals—there’s always something happening. The city feels alive, and your social feed is probably filled with friends making the most of it.
But what happens when all that excitement starts to feel overwhelming instead of fun?
If you’ve ever felt pressure to do everything or guilt for missing out, you’re not alone. That pressure has a name: FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out—and it hits especially hard in a city that never sleeps.
Let’s talk about why FOMO happens, how it impacts your mental health, and what you can do to find more peace, presence, and joy in your NYC summer.
What Is FOMO, Really?
FOMO is that anxious feeling that something better is happening without you. It can show up as:
Scrolling through Instagram and wondering why everyone else’s life looks more fun
Feeling guilty for saying no, even when you're exhausted
Comparing your plans (or lack of them) to others
Feeling like you're “wasting” your summer if you’re not constantly doing something
Worrying that you’ll regret not going to every event, trip, or gathering
In New York City, where opportunities are endless and everything feels urgent, FOMO can sneak into even the most enjoyable parts of life.
Why Summer FOMO Hits Harder
NYC summers are full of possibility. That’s part of what makes them so special—but it can also make them emotionally exhausting. Here's why FOMO may feel more intense during the warmer months:
Longer days mean more pressure to fill them
Social media is full of curated summer “highlight reels”
There’s a cultural narrative that summer = freedom, fun, and memories
You may feel like time is running out to make the most of the season
The irony? FOMO often pulls us out of the moment we’re actually in. Instead of enjoying what we are doing, we worry about what we might be missing.
The Mental Health Cost of Always Saying Yes
Trying to do it all can lead to:
Burnout and overstimulation
Anxiety or constant comparison
Trouble sleeping or winding down
Resentment or guilt
Disconnection from your own needs
You don’t need a packed calendar to prove your worth—or to have a fulfilling summer. Sometimes, the most nourishing moments come from saying no to the noise and yes to yourself.
How to Cope with Summer FOMO in NYC
You don’t have to avoid the city’s magic—you just don’t need to chase all of it. Here are a few ways to stay grounded:
Check in with your “why”
Before saying yes to plans, ask: “Do I want to do this, or do I just feel like I should?” Intentional choices beat automatic ones.Create a “slow joy” summer list
Not every experience needs to be epic. What are a few small, meaningful things you’d genuinely enjoy? A solo picnic? A morning walk over the Williamsburg Bridge? Watching the sunset from your fire escape?Limit comparison on social media
Remember: people post their best moments, not their whole lives. You’re not behind—you’re just living offline.Schedule downtime like you would a plan
Make rest non-negotiable. A quiet evening at home can be just as memorable as a rooftop gathering—especially if it leaves you feeling like yourself again.Talk about it
You’re not the only one feeling FOMO. Share honestly with friends—it can help shift the culture from pressure to presence.
You’re Allowed to Opt Out
Summer in NYC will always be full of options. But that doesn’t mean you need to chase all of them to have a meaningful season. The goal isn’t to do more—it’s to enjoy more. And sometimes, enjoying more means doing less.
This summer, give yourself permission to rest. To miss out. To say no. To stay in. To let your joy be simple.
After all, the most important thing you can show up for—is you.
