The Fear of Missing Out
As a society, social media is all around us. It is so easy to obsess over what the people around us are doing. On top of that, try being an adult with a busy schedule and no time for yourself. The fear of missing out, or FOMO, can creep up without us being ready for it.
What is FOMO?
Believe it or not, FOMO is an actual term defined as anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website. What can we do about it? While it may not ever go away completely, we can do some self-assuring exercises to ease our anxiety.
To better understand FOMO, we have to know where it comes from. Unfortunately, a lot of times it comes from being unhappy. If we feel like we are working a dead-end job, are super busy all the time, or like we never get a night out, that fear can creep in very easily. If you are feeling overworked, try taking time out of the day to do something you enjoy. Even if you only have an hour, focus on that one thing, and nothing else. This could be meditating, meeting a friend for lunch, exercising, or spending time with your family. The more secure you are in your actions, the less you will feel left out.
Also, know that social media gives a false sense of perfection. Everyone knows that to some degree, but sometimes we can forget. Anyone’s life can look perfect if you take a moment from it, and only look at that.
How to Avoid FOMO
If you are someone who is worried about starting a new job, or another opportunity, and are hesitant because you have a fear of missing out, think about the fact if you were to turn something like that down, you would be missing out on life instead. You do not want to be older and think of all the things you could have done for your future self but spent it going out and drinking every night. It is all about balance. There are going to be plenty of nights where you do get to go out and have a good time, and on top of that, there are times where you will have to stay in and be responsible. Both are fine choices, just learn when each option is appropriate.
There are some things that you will miss out on, but in either situation (going out or staying in) you will be missing out on something. If you do end up having to stay in on a night you wanted to go out, make it still worth your while. Take a bubble bath, watch a movie, cook a nice dinner. Just because you are “missing out” on one opportunity, does not mean you have to miss out on another.