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‘Sunshine Guilt’ Is Making People Feel Bad for Relaxing Indoors

A psychologist says the pressure to “make the most” of sunny weather can turn rest into guilt, anxiety, and unnecessary shame.

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I’ve always loved rainy days, as they offer an “excuse” to stay in and relax—something my nervous system was craving as a child. Even in adulthood, I tend to prefer gloomy days over sunny ones. 

I’m beginning to wonder whether this preference stems from shame. Often, I feel “guilty” spending time working my days away inside or catching up on sleep when I “should” be soaking up the sun.

As it turns out, there’s actually a name for this phenomenon: “sunshine guilt.”

What Is Sunshine Guilt?

Sunshine guilt is exactly as it sounds: guilt for not taking advantage of the sun.

“Sunshine guilt is when someone shames themselves for enjoying their day indoors rather than spending time outside in the........

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