Making the Most of Your Summer—On and Offline
July 3, 2025 | By #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders
Summer break is here! With school out, chances are you may have more free time and with that, you might be wondering how to spend it. Adjusting to a new summer routine can feel exciting but it may also be hard to get used to such an open schedule. If you’re like many teens, you might find yourself defaulting to your phone, unintentionally spending hours scrolling through your feed.
While it’s totally normal to slow down and relax, too much time online can sometimes leave you feeling unproductive or experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out), especially when you're seeing what others are doing with their summer. If you’re having a more low-key break, or don’t have the option to take a big trip, you’re not alone. Plenty of our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders are feeling the same way.
Let’s explore how to manage these feelings and make the most of your summer, both on and offline.
Navigating feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out)
Taking it easy this summer or not making extravagant plans? It can be tough to scroll through your feed and see others traveling or going out constantly. That nagging feeling of FOMO is real, but you’re not alone.
Summer often comes with the pressure to stay busy, be social, and have “Instagram-worthy” experiences. But that’s not the only way to have a meaningful break. If you're feeling left out or like you're not doing “enough,” our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders have a few tips to help shift your mindset:
Act like the main character in your own story. Empower yourself with positive affirmations. Romanticize your own life as even simple moments can be aesthetic.
Remember: social media isn’t always real. Instead of getting jealous, try using what you see as inspiration. Think, “That looks fun! What’s something I could do that’s fun for me, on my terms?”
Make a summer bucket list. It could be as simple as reading a book, starting a new show, or spending more time outside. Checking things off can give you a sense of accomplishment.
Make analog memories. Try scrapbooking or starting a gratitude journal. Having something physical to look back on makes your summer memories even more special.
Looking to balance your screen time? Our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders created the “Digital Days of Summer Challenge,” a list of fun and mindful activities to help you unplug, recharge, and reflect on your relationship with technology, all while enjoying your summer. Check them out below! 👇
Digital Days of Summer Challenge
Daily digital-free hour ⏳
Pick one hour each day to put your phone in another room and do something completely offline—read, bake, doodle, journal, etc. Bonus points if you do it outside.
Make a creation with your phone 🎥
Use your phone creatively: make a short film with friends, start a photography challenge, or create a recipe tutorial. It's intentional screen time with a creative twist.
Reverse screen time goals ⏱️
For every 30 minutes on social media, do 30 minutes of another activity—walk the dog, sketch, organize your room, help a sibling, etc.
Track your "feel-good" use vs. "mindless scroll" time ☺️ > 😵💫
Make a two-column list of what phone use makes you feel good (talking with friends, learning something new, sharing art) and what doesn’t. Reflect on it weekly.
Plan one tech-free hangout each week 🌊
Invite friends to hang out—board games, swimming, hiking, or a picnic—with an agreement that everyone leaves their phone in a bag.
Try a “no phone until noon” weekend 📵
Pick one day a week to stay off social media and messaging apps until lunchtime. Use the morning for offline hobbies or family time.
Join a library summer reading challenge or book club 📚
Check out your local library’s summer reading program or join a book club (in-person or virtually).
Create a summer vision board 📍
Use a digital platform like Canva or Pinterest to design a vision board with your goals, foods you want to try, things you want to do, and places you’d like to go.
#TechTrade: One app off, one activity on 🔄
Temporarily delete an app you spend lots of time on and use that space for something new (learn a dance, start journaling, write a song, etc).
Plan a night out to see live art 🎭🎤
Pick a concert, theater show, musical, dance performance, open mic night, etc. to attend with friends and/or family. Turn off your phone and soak in the atmosphere without distractions.
Get the full list of challenges by downloading the “Digital Days of Summer” bingo card below!
Friendly reminder: Whether you're crossing off challenges or trying something new each week, any step you take toward balancing your screen time counts. Be proud of your progress, and most of all, enjoy a summer that feels good to you. We can’t wait to see how you’re making this summer count, both on and offline. ☀️🤳
Download “Digital Days of Summer” Bingo Card
Download or print this card, complete a challenge, and mark it off as you go.
Bonus! Share your progress on social media using #GFMDigitalDaysofSummer and tagging us in your posts.
Have your own tips for making the most of summer, on or offline? We would love to hear them!
Submit a testimonial and share how you’re finding balance, beating FOMO, or creating your own meaningful summer.
#GoodforMEdia Resources
Learning Hub: Explore youth stories, insights and strategies to empower healthy relationships with social media.
Our Guides and Tools: Explore a list of resources created by youth to help their peers and adult allies navigate the positive and negative aspects of social media.