Summer break feels like catching a quick gasp of air while swimming before dunking your head back underwater.

Although the academic year has ended and some work is over, summer doesn’t feel like an actual break.

It’s understandable to use the summer break to catch up on priorities, but I’ve noticed a growing pressure among college students to maximize the break and occupy as many days as possible.

The pressure to maximize both productivity and enjoyment during the summer is known as summer anxiety, according to a May 27, 2025 Beck Institute for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy article.

Some characteristics include feeling guilty for lack of relaxation, avoidance of responsibilities mistaken for a break and difficulty maintaining consistent routines, according to the same source.

During the break, students are often expected to fill their time with career-boosting activities like summer internships or part-time jobs.

Although major-related experiences are useful for entering the job market, it creates the idea that time spent on leisure is wasted.

I have one year before my graduation which adds to my pressure to secure as many opportunities as possible before the semester begins.

During the recent spring semester, classmates and myself rushed to submit internship applications while busy with classes. 

In order to succeed, I have to give up my future free time, otherwise I’m lazy if I don’t.

I’ve had two summer internships during my college career, one I’m currently employed at. 

Although I’m grateful for the opportunity, there are many days when I’d rather go outside and lay in the sun than sit at my desk staring at my computer screen.

The idea of maximizing productivity during the summer directly contradicts enjoying one’s vacation, which is another social expectation.

I’ll alternate from seeing Instagram updates of friends traveling, to Linkedin updates of my classmate’s newest job. It’s a challenge to balance both priorities.

The theme song of the popular Disney Channel show “Phineas and Ferb” describes this desire to experience all your can with your summer freedom.

The beginning of the song goes, “There’s another hundred and four days of summer vacation/ And school comes along just to end it/ So the annual problem for our generation/ Is findin’ a good way to spend it.” 

I personally relate to these lyrics because of my multiple lists of activities I hope to complete before school starts in August.

I want to go on local hikes in the South Bay, start new exercise routines and take day trips with friends to San Francisco.

Having a time limit on completing this list of career and personal-oriented activities makes me second-guess staying at home.  

Despite some downsides, summer is still my favorite time of the year. 

Extended hours of daylight and sunny weather mean I can go outside later in the day.  Even on the days I’ve stayed inside, I catch up on episodes of “King of the Hill” or paint with watercolors.

As the fall semester approaches, I have found the best way to manage priorities and truly enjoy your summer is by spending a few hours in the morning working on professional goals before enjoying your day.

Ultimately it’s not possible to accomplish every career and personal goal in two months, give yourself time and let your goals grow with you.

Even just having a few extra hours of free time or seeing some people you love is a summer well spent.