FOMO (noun): anxiety about missing out on rewarding experiences; also known as the “fear of missing out”
“The FOMO is REAL.” Do you ever find yourself saying this? You’re not alone. FOMO is real, and it can be hard to shake, especially when social media shows everyone else’s highlight reel. But there are ways to manage these feelings and focus on the positive things in your own life. Here’s how to fight FOMO and reclaim your peace of mind.
- Practice Gratitude
When you catch yourself feeling the fear of missing out, pause and reflect on all of the good things you have. Take a moment to write down or mentally list three things you’re grateful for. Shifting your focus to what you’re thankful for can immediately reframe your mindset and combat feelings of inadequacy. Gratitude has been shown to improve mental health, boost self-esteem, and help us be more present. - Do a Digital Detox
Constant scrolling through social media can intensify feelings of missing out. Taking breaks from your devices gives you the opportunity to live in the moment and be present with yourself and those around you. Consider scheduling a weekly digital detox or use phone features like “Do Not Disturb” to limit your time on social media apps. You might be surprised by how freeing it can feel to disconnect for a while. - Reframe Your Focus
Remember, what you see online is often a highlight reel. People rarely share the full story behind the moments they post, so it’s important not to compare your day-to-day reality with someone’s curated feed. Instead of focusing on what you think you’re missing, embrace your own unique experiences and accomplishments. Start a journal or scrapbook to document your personal wins and memories. It’ll help you see your own life as meaningful. - Embrace Alone Time
Solo time that is well-used can boost creativity and improve your mental health. Whether you’re reading a book, taking a walk or working on a hobby, time alone can be incredibly restorative. Use this time to reconnect with yourself, reflect on your goals or simply relax without the pressure of social comparison. - Do Something You Love
When FOMO creeps in, focus on activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading, going for a walk, baking or playing with your pet, engaging in activities that make you feel good can help shift your focus from what you think you’re missing. It’s easy to feel left out, but you might find that those moments spent doing something you love are just as fulfilling. - Set Boundaries with Social Media
Social media is designed to keep us hooked, but it’s important to set boundaries to protect your mental health. Limit the number of times you check social media per day or unfollow accounts that tend to bring up feelings of jealousy or inadequacy. Curate your feed to ensure that what you’re seeing serves your well-being, rather than detracting from it.
Which tip did you find most helpful? Share this with a friend who could use these tips – and give us a follow on our social channels for more mental health content and stories!
Follow Zero Reasons Why®