Coming from the FOMO queen herself, (the first step is admitting, right?), I understand the struggle of staying in at night to study for that big test when you would much rather be all dressed up at dinner with your closest friends. However, when priorities overstep that night out and we have all had something to do the next day that we wished we would’ve stayed in for. With that being said, here are a few signs that you suffer from this same disease along with some tips to fight it.

You Consider All Options.

Seriously you know you shouldn’t be going to that party or to the movies with your friends when you have a big test or presentation tomorrow, yet we always consider other options for way longer than we should. Think about it, I am sure you have thought to yourself “Well maybe I can study in between classes.” Or “I will just wake up a few hours early and study.” I hate to break it to you, friends, neither of these approaches work or give you success in the end. Again, procrastination queen here coming to you live.

You Cannot Even Look At Social Media While Studying.

We all know that feeling. Maybe the party of the year is going on or that concert that all of your friends are talking about is tonight. Here is a small tip, turn the phone off or even put it out of sight. Those of us that struggle with missing out find ourselves looking to see all the fun going on, yet we forget that life goes on and there will always be other opportunities. Don’t panic you FOMO fighters, you will feel so much better about getting things done and who knows? Maybe us college kids will be in bed before midnight. (I’m still working on that one.)

You Go Anyways.

I know for a fact we have all been here. How many times have you said “I’ll just go for a little bit.” Yeah, right. The third sign of having FOMO as a college kid is definitely the idea of thinking that you can go to that event and still be successful in what is obviously more important. Of course college is a time to make memories and even make mistakes, but remember that there will always be something going on, and there likely be other opportunities.

If you relate to any of these signs I can promise you, you are not alone. I am a huge fan of “carpe diem” and “living life to the fullest,” but don’t allow yourself to be carried away by the smaller things going on around you. The next time you feel like you’re missing out on that fraternity/sorority social because you have a huge test tomorrow, have a study group in the library. You won’t be the only one missing the social, I promise. The next time you want to go to the movies with that ridiculously attractive person from one of your classes, remember that that future husband or wife would gladly understand if you need to write your paper instead. Above all, remember to prioritize and make the most out of every situation; even if it does mean being in the library or wrapped up in a textbook on a Friday night.

Peace, love, and fight the FOMO.