Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

One particularly memorable instance of FOMO happened during my junior year of high school. I had recently started getting involved in a student club, and I was really excited about all the opportunities it presented. However, there was one event that I couldn’t attend because of a scheduling conflict. It was a weekend-long retreat, and I had a family obligation that prevented me from going. The whole time the retreat was happening, I felt like I was missing out on something amazing. I kept picturing my friends having a blast, bonding over shared experiences and inside jokes. The photos that they sent matched my imagination of how much they were having. Meanwhile, I was stuck at home, feeling left out and alone while attending a family event that, in all honesty, was not fun and interesting at all. It was a tough weekend, and it took me a while to shake off the feeling of disappointment and envy.

Looking back on that experience, I realize that my FOMO was fueled by a few different factors. For one thing, I was new to the club and still trying to establish myself as a valuable member. I was worried that by missing the retreat, I was forfeiting an opportunity to prove my worth and make important connections with my peers. Additionally, I think part of my FOMO was rooted in a deeper fear of being alone. I had always struggled with feelings of social anxiety and insecurity, and I worried that if I wasn’t part of the group, I would be isolated and lonely. These days, I’m better equipped to handle my FOMO. I’ve learned a few strategies that help me cope with the feeling of missing out, and I’ve come to understand that it’s a natural part of the human experience.

One of the biggest things that’s helped me is simply being honest with myself about what I really want. It’s easy to get swept up in the idea that we should be doing everything and going everywhere, but the truth is that there are only so many hours in the day. I’ve learned to prioritize the things that are truly important to me, and to let go of the things that aren’t. For example, if I know that I have a big exam coming up, I’ll skip a party or social event in order to study. On the other hand, if I’m feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed, I might prioritize self-care and skip a meeting or activity in order to rest and recharge. Another strategy that’s helped me is to be mindful of my own thoughts and feelings. It’s easy to get caught up in social media and other forms of online communication, and to feel like you’re missing out on all the fun and excitement happening elsewhere. However, it’s important to remember that social media is often a curated and exaggerated version of reality, and that other people’s experiences aren’t necessarily better or more valuable than your own.

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In fact, one of the things that I’ve come to appreciate about FOMO is that it can be a reminder to appreciate the present moment and the experiences that we do have. When I find myself feeling jealous or envious of what others are doing, I try to take a step back and focus on the things that are good in my own life. For example, if I see photos of a group of friends having a great time at a concert, I might take a moment to appreciate the fact that I have other friends who support and care for me, or that I have a hobby or interest that brings me joy and fulfillment.

Below are just an example of certain things that you can miss out on and things which you shouldn’t if the opportunity appears in front of you.

Things you should miss out on:

1. Comparison trap: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, inferiority and low self-esteem. You feel that you are useless, which is not true at all.  It’s important to focus on your own goals and accomplishments and not get caught up in the comparison trap because your objectives, passions and goals are yours, not others and shouldn’t be judged by others as well.
2. Overcommitment: You don’t have to say yes to everything. Saying yes to every opportunity or invitation can lead to burnout, exhaustion and frustration, especially if you are the type of person who cannot say no to favors and new opportunities that pop up. It’s important to prioritize your time and energy, and learn to say no when necessary.
3. Social media addiction: Social media addiction is a huge problem that numerous people, especially teenagers and adults of the younger demographic face. Spending hours and hours on Instagram or other social media platforms on a daily basis could lead to feelings of envy, anxiety and depression. It’s important to limit the time you spend on social media, and take breaks when needed to avoid the negative effects. 
4. Impulsive spending: Feeling like you need to keep up with others by constantly buying new things can lead to financial stress and debt. It’s important to prioritize your financial goals and make conscious decisions about your spending. Money is something everyone needs to be careful about and recklessly spending it could bite you in the back really hard. Another thing you need to understand is that if you’re financially dependent on someone, primarily your parents, then you need to know that they are working extremely hard to earn that money and it’s very tough to earn money. They tirelessly spend so much time earning that money yet you’re carelessly spending it on things that you won’t even need like designer clothes. This isn’t to guilt-trip you but rather, it’s just a reminder to keep in mind how you shouldn’t spend money on things just because you feel left out that others are buying items as well.

Things you should not miss out on:

1. Genuine connections: Building authentic relationships with others can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging.  It’s important to prioritize the people who bring positivity and meaning to your life, including both family and friends. Sometimes, you have to understand that they may not be around as much anymore and you may feel very sad about that. Make sure that you spend enough time with them and that you are comfortable and enjoy their company. 
2. Self-care: Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential for a happy and healthy life. Exhaustion in any form due to FOMO can be fatal. You are your number one priority, no matter what and losing yourself in the process shouldn’t happen. It’s important to prioritize activities that help you recharge and maintain balance in your life such as resting, taking walks on your own, hobbies, spending time with people and more.
3. Personal growth: Pursuing your interests, learning new skills, and challenging yourself can lead to personal growth by strengthening and diversifying your skillset and a sense of accomplishment. This becomes extremely beneficial when it comes to college applications. It’s important to prioritize various opportunities thrown at you that help you grow and expand your horizons while ensuring that you don’t either miss out on everything or try to pick up every opportunity that comes at you. 
4. Meaningful experiences: Participating in experiences that align with your values and bring you joy can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The feeling of having to sacrifice one event over the over is harsh and no one likes doing it but you need to follow your heart and mind and choose rather than breaking your head over it too much. It’s important to prioritize experiences that are meaningful to you, rather than simply following the crowd. Sometimes, the sleepovers with your closer friends could be more fun and enjoyable than the large parties that someone, you may not even know, throws for a lot of people. And sometimes, you do enjoy going to new places and meeting new people while getting to know them. Everyone has their own opinion and thoughts and shouldn’t deny them just because it doesn’t fall into the norm of things.

Ultimately, I think that the key to dealing with FOMO is to be kind and gentle with ourselves. It’s natural to feel left out or envious sometimes, especially when we’re bombarded with images and messages about what we “should” be doing or experiencing. However, it’s important to remember that we’re all on our own unique paths, and that what works for one person might not work for another. By being true to ourselves and our own values, we can find a sense of peace and contentment, even in the face of FOMO. In conclusion, FOMO is a common experience for many students, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress and anxiety. By prioritizing what’s important, being mindful of our thoughts and feelings, and being kind to ourselves, we can learn to cope with FOMO and find a sense of contentment in our own lives.