FOMO Anxiety - The better way to beat it

Oh boy.

So there’s a new anxiety called FOMO.

Fear of missing out.

This new anxiety is even etched into the Oxford dictionary.

If you’re surfing social media and see friends, family, or coworkers doing fun things without you like painting a fence… playing bingo… or eating pie… (Okay, maybe more zestful than that) But when you see them have fun without you…

FOMO may strike like a rattlesnake.

So what do you do?

The easiest slice of advice:

Go on a social media diet.

There’s a buffet of reasons to consider this. For one, social media distorts the appearance of people’s lives almost like fun house mirror does. People posting “successful” pictures can give the “appearance” that their life is perfect. This can give you an expectation that yours should be too.

When in reality the stuff people post, is only the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface can be pretty dark… and cold…

Also, almost everyone I’ve known who have done this “diet” reported huge relief. They feel more mentally free, able to think clearer, and don’t feel glued to their phone like before. Heck, some even found they can connect with those around them better (what a concept!).

You see, when your phone jingles or vibrates and you hop online your brain squirts dopamine into your system. It’s released whenever we encounter anything new or novelty.

And it gives you a jolt of good-feeling.

But this type is short-lasting and isn’t very fulfilling.

Kinda like empty calories.

So take the social media diet.

Even if it’s only for a month
Even if it’s only for a week
Even if it’s only for a day

Give it a whirl.

And see how much better you feel.