What Have you ever felt like your friends were partying somewhere and you were left out? Or seeing someone’s vacation photos on social media and thinking about how boring your life is. If so, then you might be experiencing FOMO, or “fear of missing out.”
In today’s digital age, the problem of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) has become common. This problem not only affects our mental health, but also our relationships and happiness. According to a report by Tata Communication, 82% of Indians feel FOMO when away from the internet.
Many of us feel this way, but have you ever thought about how much it affects our mental health and happiness?
Today we are going to talk about FOMO in relationships and know what is FOMO? You will also learn that-
What are the reasons? What are the side effects of FOMO? What are the ways to avoid it?
What is FOMO?
Have you ever felt like people were having fun, partying, having a good vacation and you weren’t doing anything special? This feeling is called FOMO.
In this we are upset to see other people and we feel that there is no happiness in our life. FOMO does not only occur through social media or the internet, but because of this, a large number of people become victims of it.
You can also feel it when your friends talk enthusiastically about their vacation. In such a situation, you wonder why you don’t have experience in this matter.
What causes FOMO?
Man is naturally a social animal. This is why we live in fear of being excluded from the group. In ancient times, engaging in collective activities like hunting was a matter of life and death for humans. This is why we become extremely sad and upset when we are excluded.
Our brains are always working with the desire to connect and be accepted by others. This is the main reason for FOMO. Nowadays, this feeling has become stronger. Social media has connected us to the whole world. We can scroll through social media feeds on our phones at any time and see what others are doing.
We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and wondering if we are missing a certain experience. This fear grew even more after social media. What we are missing is not something very important related to life. Despite this, we still feel troubled.
What are the side effects of FOMO?
FOMO has a profound impact on mental health. Excessive use of social media can promote FOMO and anxiety. FOMO can affect self-esteem because in this state we compare ourselves to others. This makes us feel like we are behind our peers. We feel even more alone and inferior when seeing other people’s lives on social media.
What are some ways to avoid FOMO?
Have you ever felt like FOMO and social media have taken over your life? To avoid this, understand your emotions. Invest your time in something else. It’s like reading a book, developing mindfulness. Let’s talk about how to manage FOMO through charts.
retain decision-making power
To avoid FOMO and external pressure, retain your agency when making a decision. When you make decisions under the influence of others, it can harm you. Listen to your voice and do what’s right for you. Do not take any steps to appear cool in the eyes of others.
practice mindfulness
Mindfulness (the art of living in the present) can help you reduce FOMO. In this, wherever you are physically, you try to stay there mentally too. Pay attention to the sound of birds while walking. Feel the sun and the breeze. If you feel like checking social media, stop and think if it’s necessary?
Control stress and anxiety
FOMO is associated with anxiety and stress. Do exercise and meditation for mental peace. Notice the turbulent things going on in your mind. This can help reduce stress.
do a digital detox
If you feel stressed because of social media, limit its use. Keep app notifications off. Remember that people’s lives are not what they show on social media.
increase self-respect
FOMO is also closely linked to self-respect. Instead of evaluating yourself negatively, keep a positive approach. Highlight your strengths and learn new skills. This will increase your self-confidence and you will focus on your life and not on other people’s messages.
foster real relationships
Continue to socialize with friends, family and colleagues to strengthen relationships. Find new people like you who have the same hobbies as you.
seek professional help
If FOMO is affecting your life and mental state, seek professional help without delay. Experts can help you identify and change the causes of FOMO.