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How to deal with FOMO

5 June 2019

Are you constantly scrolling through social media, anxious that you’re missing out on something amazing? We’ve got some ways you can avoid FOMO and overcome the feeling.

Girl lying on bed surrounded by polaroids

We’ve all been there. That nagging feeling we get as we scroll through social media and realise that everyone else is at the most amazing event, apart from us.

The popularity of social media means that we are constantly exposed to other people’s filtered lives – their perfect relationships, rooftop parties and luxurious holidays. It’s important to realise that these are only highlights of people’s lives and does not give an insight into all aspects.
 

You can overcome the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) by changing a few habits and the way you think about things. Altering your mind set will take a little time but all will become easier with practice.

Know your limits

As difficult as it is, accepting that you can’t be everywhere at once is key. If you try to always be at the coolest places and on the best holiday, your sense of FOMO will only increase. Our different experiences and the different things we do are what makes us all unique.

Be mindful

Instead of thinking about what you’re missing out on, think about all that you’re gaining right now. If you’re at home whilst everyone else is at a party, take time to appreciate that you’ve had a relaxed evening alone and made time for yourself. The next time you go out, you’ll appreciate and enjoy it even more.

Clear out social media

Unfollow accounts that make you feel upset about your current situation and limit how much time you spend scrolling through other people’s lives. Did you post a selfie when you were ill in bed the other day or tweet about that fight you had with your best friend? The answer is probably ‘no’ and this would be the case for most of us. Just because people are drawing attention to the best parts of their life doesn’t mean they don’t have low points too.
 

Think hard about what your priorities in life are. Is it spending time with your family? Diving into a new hobby? Working on a personal project? Make a list of all of your priorities and every time you feel FOMO creeping over you look back over your list and remind yourself of all the things that are important to you.

Learning to enjoy the process and living in the moment will allow you to overcome FOMO and begin to live your life as you want to.