Want to relax indoors but feel FOMO about going out? You may have ‘Sunshine Guilt’

Experts point out that it has become an expectation that people must go out when the weather is nice. (Representational)

As new viral trends like “bed rotting” — lounging indefinitely in bed — and “hurkle-durkling,” which glorifies savouring a slow morning, sweep across social media, a curious phenomenon called "sunshine guilt" is emerging. This sense of guilt plagues individuals who, rather than seizing a bright, clear day outdoors, choose to stay inside, sparking a mix of remorse and pressure from societal expectations.

Sunshine guilt can be described as the feeling of remorse one gets when they stay inside on a nice day, experts say. The feeling can become even stronger when one believes that everyone else is out enjoying the sunshine. Social media is amplifying this sentiment, as creators share their experience with sunshine guilt.

“It is an abnormally beautiful day outside, but I’m tired. So now I feel this pressure to go outside and go for a walk and enjoy the weather while it lasts,” one TikToker from the US said. “I can’t enjoy myself indoors now because the whole time I’m thinking that I should be outside. So basically my day is ruined.”

Many users tied their feelings to the “fear of missing out” (FOMO), underscoring how social expectations to embrace sunny days intensify these feelings of guilt.

Experts also point out that it has become an expectation that people must go out when the weather is nice. Such stigmas can make people feel that they are missing out or failing to meet societal expectations when they choose downtime indoors over outdoor activities.

Many psychologists, however, suggest that prioritising self-care and staying mindful of personal needs over social pressures is absolutely okay and that it’s important to avoid unhealthy thought patterns associated with FOMO.

The ‘sunshine guilt’ phenomenon highlights the intense social pressure to stay active and productive, even at the cost of personal well-being. Experts encourage individuals to trust their instincts, whether that means enjoying a sunny day outside or embracing the comfort of a peaceful day indoors.