The fear of missing out or FOMO can be described as a continuous apprehension that others are having rewarding experiences which you are missing out. It is usually characterized by needing to stay in tune to what others are doing especially on social media.
We can be fueling this fear on a daily basis. Scrolling through Instagram and Facebook during breakfast we might feel as if everyone else is having such a good time – going on holidays, dining at exclusive restaurants, looking beautiful…It can make us feel that our life is boring and we are missing out. However we do need to realize that ‘All that glitters is not gold’. Truly, we don’t really know what the person is going through from a smiling picture on Instagram…
How can we face this fear?
- Admit there can be a problem: We cannot be at all places our friends go to, we cannot be at all events organized. Life is a balance between juggling work commitments and being with our loved ones and at times we have to say ‘no’ to attending an event independently of how exciting it promises to be.
- Switch off your phone: Chose a day a week and practice not being on line for a couple of hours. Focus instead of being with family and friends in person and savor each moment spent without the need of shooting a photo of what you’re doing and posting it on-line.
- Practice Mindfulness: Life is about living in the here and now. Appreciate the beauty of a the sunrise while you go to work, sleep reading a book instead of scrolling on your mobile…try it, and see the difference…
Anna Catania is a counsellor with Willingness. She has had a special interest in working with clients facing intimacy and sexual difficulties and runs a service for families going through cancer and chronic illness. She can be contacted on anna@willingness.com.mt
You can visit her profile on: https://zme.tec.mybluehost.me/willingnessmt/team/anna-catania/