Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

 

  "Fear of missing out" as known as FOMO is a real phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common and can cause significant stress in your life. Humans are social creatures, who are wired for connection and involvement, but the FOMO may negatively affect physical and mental wellness. If you've ever wondered what you were missing, staring at your phone, and struggled between choosing which event to decline on the same night, it might have been FOMO. At some point, everyone has experienced the FOMO.

  The fear of missing out refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It involves a deep sense of envy and affects self-esteem. The idea of FOMO is not new to our era. It has been studied for the past few decades by marketing strategists. However, since the advent of social media, FOMO has become more obvious and it has accelerated the FOMO phenomenon.

  FOMO can happen when you don't get involved in a party, when your co-workers go out after work without you, when someone is more wealthy than you, or when you are not participating in the latest trend on social media. FOMO can also be as simple as routinely checking your text messages. It may also look like instantly picking up your phone when you get a notification. If you feel FOMO, it'd be better to avoid it as soon as possible. Here are some of them.

   Be willing to not have it all. Human need is limited. Desires are endless. Accepting the essential futility of trying to fulfill every desire we have is much wiser than indulging all of our impulses for gratification. Prioritising certain activities enables us to let go of others. Decide what your highest priorities are and focus on them. Deciding what to prioritise requires us to cut off other options, however, it makes possible clearer attention to those that have meaning for us. 

  Avoid comparisons. It has to be a deeper understanding that everyone is different, we have different challenges and goals in life. Stop comparing yourself with others, especially with influencers or even celebrities. Posting happy or exciting pictures on social media does not guarantee they are really happy and fulfilled. It can be only for showing off or flexing to the others. Everyone has their issues. 

  Be kind to yourself. Take a break from your busy life and social media then try to explore your surroundings. It is always good to go out and meet new people. You can try to plan a trip with your friends or go alone once in a while. Being close to nature calms your mind and helps to manage your anxiety. You can have a walk at the park for close to nature, which calms your mind and helps to manage your anxiety. 

  Nowadays, FOMO is strongly correlated with social media usage, it is important to remember that is a very real and common feeling among people of all ages. Spend some time reflecting on the things you are grateful for in your life. Trying to cut off social media for a while and see the things you have achieved. Thank you for your time and hopefully, you have learned something new today. Have a nice day 😀.

References:

1. Do You Have FOMO? Here Is How to Cope (2022). Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664.
2. This Is The Best Way to Overcome Fear of Missing Out (2022). Available at: https://time.com/4358140/overcome-fomo/.
3. FOMO: Causes and Solutions (2022). Available at: https://psychcentral.com/health/what-is-fomo-the-fear-of-missing-out#effects.
4. 10 Ways to Overcome Fear of Missing Out (2022). Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201501/10-ways-overcome-fear-missing-out.
5. Overcoming Fomo: 5 ways to overcome the fear of missing out (FOMO) | how to deal with fomo (2020). Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/5-ways-to-overcome-the-fear-of-missing-out-fomo/photostory/75831261.cms?picid=75831960.