The abbreviation “FOMO” describes the fear of missing out on something. This phenomenon is very common these days and is often amplified by social networks. We’ll give you tips on how to deal with this concern properly.
FOMO: What is that actually?
FOMO is an abbreviation for “fear of missing out”. The term describes the fear of missing out on exciting and extraordinary experiences that would lead to a more fulfilling life from the perspective of those affected. The opposite of this is “JOMO“, The joy of missing out.
Social networks play a major role in the FOMO phenomenon: the fact that people strive to belong is not a modern phenomenon – just like the fear of missing out on something. But this fear is significantly increased by the social networks, like Studies occupy. Those affected usually use such networks very extensively. There can be various reasons for this: On the one hand, you don’t want to miss any important news in order to always be informed about current world events. On the other hand, FOMO also appears in connection with friends and family members. In this case, those affected regularly follow the activities of close people, for example on Instagram and Facebook.
This behavior can trigger a form of sadness when activities are posted in your circle of friends that you are not part of yourself. It may also create fear that other people’s experiences might be better, more extraordinary, and bigger than your own. Studies from Canada suggest that FOMO can have negative physical effects on those affected. These include stress, fatigue and decreased sleep.
Tips for dealing with FOMO
You can consciously counteract the fear of missing out on something. First and foremost, it can help to reflect on one’s own media use and to appreciate the moment in the here and now. We’ll give you tips on what to do about FOMO:
- Enjoy the moment: Start by enjoying the moment and living in the here and now. After all, the most beautiful moments in life happen analogously. Maybe a long walk in nature is good for you after work? Or would you like to devote yourself to a new or old hobby like painting, playing the guitar or your favorite sport? Mindfulness exercises or Meditations can also help you to perceive and enjoy the moment. More here: Joie de vivre: How to learn to enjoy your life.
- Issue notifications: The smartphone is your constant companion in everyday life and you have to check the latest news every few minutes? To get rid of this distraction, there is only one thing to do: turn your phone to mute and turn off notifications. You will quickly find that this can be an extremely liberating experience. The method of “Digital detox“Can help you: You go completely offline for a certain time and turn off your mobile phone completely. In this way you experience a kind of short vacation from your smartphone. It is also advisable to use your mobile phone in a more structured and conscious manner in everyday life. For example, you can set two to three fixed times a day to check your new messages only then. More here: 7 tips to spend less time on your smartphone.
- Practice gratitude: You can also try to avoid the “fear of missing out” in gratitude to convert. You don’t need to compare yourself to others on social networks. Instead, learn to be grateful for what you have. Be it your family and friends, a job that fulfills you, or maybe a hobby with which you can live out your passion: there is certainly a lot in your life that you can be proud of. You just have to recognize it and learn to appreciate it. To become aware of the things for which you are grateful, for example, offer yourself a Gratitude diary or different forms of prayer.
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