The Fear of Missing Out: FOMO and How to Slay It

Ever scrolled through Instagram and felt a sting of jealousy seeing your friends at a concert, while you're stuck at home? Or maybe you ditched studying for a movie because everyone was talking about it? That, my friends, is the mighty FOMO – the Fear Of Missing Out – striking again.

FOMO is your brain's drama queen. It whispers in your ear that everyone else is having a blast, living life to the fullest, while you're, well, not. Social media doesn't help. Those perfectly curated feeds are like highlight reels, showcasing only the best moments, making you feel like you're missing the ultimate fun.

This video talks about how FOMO controls our actions and how our daily actions are impacted by the dilemma of FOMO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5zv9_ZgYoQ&t=48s

But here's the truth bomb: FOMO is a mind game. Sure, your friend's concert pics might look epic, but they probably spent hours waiting in line, and the sound might have been awful! Similarly, that movie everyone raved about might not be your cup of tea.

https://youtu.be/yZlRU1-Ev_w

That was all the scary part of FOMO, and no matter how much we deny it, we all have it at some point in time. Let’s talk about how to tackle this brain fog.

• Be Insta-Smart: Social media is fun, but it's not real life. Remember, people only post the good stuff. Don't compare your behind-the-scenes to their highlight reel.
• Focus on YOU: What do YOU enjoy? Reading a good book? Hanging with a close friend? Make a list of things that bring YOU joy and actively plan to do them.
• JOMO is the New FOMO: JOMO stands for the Joy Of Missing Out. Sometimes, staying in with a good show is way better than a crowded party.
• Live in the Moment: Put your phone down! Savor the real conversations, the fresh air, the feeling of being present.
• You Do You: Don't feel pressured to follow the crowd. It's okay to say no to things that don't excite you.

The Secret to Getting Over FOMO