How to Overcome FOMO?
Despite what you may have heard, being afraid to be alone is not a new phenomenon. It has existed for so long that it has been named the FOMO or fear of missing out. What started as an idea to connect with other humans has turned into a psychological epidemic, where many of us fear missing out on opportunities. We may not even realize how much time we are spending scrolling on Facebook and checking our email. And, of course, we miss out on valuable free time that could be spent doing all sorts of things—from exercising to spending time with family and friends or just relaxing.
What do we mean by FOMO?
Fear of missing out is a feeling that many adults experience at some point. It stems from feeling anxious that you are not accomplishing enough because others are. “What am I doing with my life?” “What am I missing?” “When I have free time, what am I doing?” FOMO affects people in different ways, but it causes anxiety for many. Feelings of anxiety are normal, but it is important to keep them in check, so you do not experience too much stress.
What Is the Root Cause Of FOMO?
Being constantly connected to social media can be the root of our FOMO. FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a feeling of anxiety or discomfort caused by a fear of missing out on an event, activity, or other experience. We get FOMO when we feel like we are not keeping up with everyone else; when we lose touch with our friends; and when we are unsure of what is taking place.
Here’s How to Overcome FOMO:
Social Media Break
Is there such thing as a social media break? Really? It sounds odd. We have been told for years to stay engaged with our digital lives. It has been said, “If you’re not on Facebook, you don’t care about what’s going on in your life.” We have been told repeatedly that social media keeps us connected with people we care about, that it is the best form of marketing, and for staying in touch with our friends and family. But too much social media can be problematic. The constant connections and notifications can make you feel like you are missing out and that others are having a better time than you are.
Delete Social Media Apps
If you did not actively use social media, then you were missing out on some essential aspects of your social life. But at some point, the overuse of social media started to break down the ties between people, and people started to feel increasingly anxious and overwhelmed by their social media accounts, spending increased time staring at their screens and scrolling endlessly through newsfeeds.
Have A Detox
When it happened, it hurt. FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is a seemingly unavoidable affliction that plagues even the healthiest and happiest among us. And while there are few things as frustrating as being glued to your phone only to feel left out, there is a way to combat your FOMO. It is called a detox.
Understand What It Is and Recognize How It Feels.
FOMO is that strong feeling of dread, thinking you may be missing an opportunity, experience, or even an event. FOMO can develop into a panic attack, and sufferers tend to obsess over thoughts of what they might have missed out on.
Use Software to Avoid Succumbing to FOMO.
Social media and smartphones have redefined FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). The phenomenon of users constantly looking online to see how they compare to others, which they call “the FOMO cycle,” has led to countless articles and studies on the relationship between social media and mental health problems, especially among adolescents.
