FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is a term we are all familiar with. It’s something we’ve been talking about for years. There was even a counter-movement called JOMO, the “joy of missing out.” But FOMO hasn’t disappeared.
There are still many people who sit at home and feel like they’re missing out on something, mostly because we are connected 24/7. I experience it sometimes too. I love spending my Saturday evening at home with a good book, but I can still get the feeling that I should be out at parties or having fun with friends.
What is FOMO
As I mentioned, FOMO stands for “fear of missing out.” You might recognize that feeling when you’re sitting at home. At first, you feel comfortable and content. But then you pick up your phone and see videos and photos of your friends having a great time. Suddenly, you feel like you’re missing out and that you should be out at a party or doing something exciting, even though, just a minute ago, you were perfectly fine.
With social media, this feeling has probably become even stronger. You see someone at a party and suddenly wish you were there. Or you see someone at a concert and wish you were there too. It creates the feeling that your life is boring or that you’re missing out on something better.
But you can also experience FOMO in everyday conversations. When people talk about their amazing weekends or exciting experiences from the past, you might start to feel like you’re missing out. Even without social media, that feeling can still show up.
How to Get Rid of FOMO
Spend less time on social media
Like I said, one of the biggest reasons we experience FOMO (fear of missing out) is because we constantly see other people, including our friends, having fun and doing exciting things. It’s easy to compare our lives to theirs. But if you spend your weekend on the couch reading a great book, that doesn’t make your life any less valuable. The moment you open social media, you might suddenly feel like you’re missing out, but that feeling is often created by what you see online, not by your actual life. Try putting your phone away more often and focus on what you want to do. You’re not boring for enjoying a quiet evening with a book. In fact, you’re choosing what truly makes you happy.
Put everything into perspective
It’s impossible to be everywhere at once, which means you are always missing out on something. And that’s okay. If you’re at an amazing concert, you might be missing another great event, a party, or even a once-in-a-lifetime moment happening somewhere else. You simply can’t do everything. Once you accept that, it becomes easier to let go of FOMO and enjoy where you are.
Analyze your thoughts and feelings
Ask yourself: do you actually want to go to that party because it excites you, or are you just afraid of missing out? Being honest with yourself can help you make better decisions. Sometimes the desire to go somewhere doesn’t come from genuine interest, but from pressure or fear. Recognizing that difference is very powerful.
Learn to say no
Sometimes you don’t even want to go to an event, but you still say yes because you’re afraid of missing something. It’s easy to imagine saying no and then hearing the next day how amazing it was. But if you truly don’t feel like going, whether you’re tired, not feeling well, or just need time for yourself, it’s okay to say no. Choosing yourself is more important than trying to be everywhere.
Talk about it
If you’re really struggling with FOMO, it can help to talk about it. Share your feelings with friends, or even a professional if needed. You might be surprised to find that many people feel the same way, even those who seem to be doing everything. No one is completely immune to FOMO. In some ways, it’s just a part of being human.
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash