We all struggle with FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. FOMO usually happens through watching social media and can be described as the uneasy and sometimes all-consuming feeling that you’re missing out and that other people on social media are doing something better or more fun than you.
So how do we overcome FOMO?
1. Spend less time on social media.
This is probably an obvious one, but how many times do we complain and say that we hate social media or that it takes up too much of our time? And how many times do we try and tell ourselves that we will spend less time on it, and that we have way better things to do? Yet, how many of us actually spend less time on social media? The average person spends about 2 hours a day on social media websites. By checking social media over and over again, we constantly allow ourselves to be sucked into the digital world which leads to FOMO. Why then, do we do this to ourselves? It's a habit and an addiction. We are truly addicted to the digital world and everything it has to offer. The first step to overcoming FOMO is to truly challenge yourself to check social media way less and for less amount of time. That way, we see fewer posts and we spend less time comparing ourselves to everyone else. This also makes room for better things in your life, like spending time outdoors, catching up with an old friend, or cleaning out that closet you've been wanting to do for years. Imagine what things you can do in two hours.
2. Remember that posts on social media only represent the best part of an event, which often isn't an accurate depiction of people's lives.
People always post the absolute BEST version of themselves or what they are doing to their social media accounts. How many pictures do we ask someone to take before we find the best possible option that will receive the most attention and likes? Yet, how accurate is that "perfect" pose that hurt your feet for 10 minutes to hold, or made you fall over immediately after the photo was taken? We always post the most 'attractive' depiction of whatever we are doing. To overcome FOMO, realize that the whole rest of the world does this as well, and life on social media doesn't represent real life. Just because that candid group photo of your friends looks so perfect and undeniably fun, doesn't mean you can't choose to stay off social media for a few hours and enjoy that giant, once-a-year family cookout you had to attend instead.
2. Know that there are always other opportunities.
This may also seem obvious, but if we realize that there are always other opportunities, then we stop being so upset about what we 'might' be missing out on. There are always other times to go out with your friends, go shopping, or take a day trip. Missing out on an event or fun with your friends doesn't mean that you missed anything major or that there won't be other opportunities someday in the future. Be confident that wherever you are at right now in life is where you are supposed to be, and enjoy every moment of every day.
