Fear of Missing Out

Have you trembled with fear of "Fear of Missing Out" on life, love, money, power, success, respect..., and happiness? Or, is the "Fear of Missing Out" ruining your precious life...? Is this fear making you miss out on your real life...? What is it? Why? What to do about it...? Hmmmmm.

According to FOMO Sapiens FOMO is not currently a diagnosable condition, however, it can have specific symptoms, according to a 2021 report in Technological Forecasting and Social Change. Some of these symptoms include:

1. Obsessively checking social media to see what others are doing
2. Experiencing negative feelings when comparing one’s life to what others seem to be doing on social media
3. Feeling mentally exhausted from social media

Other symptoms of FOMO, according to Erin Vogel, Ph.D, a social psychologist and an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, can include 1) Overscheduling (trying to be everywhere at all times), 2) Withdrawing from others, 3) Feeling physically tired, 4) Feeling sad, anxious or depressed, 5) Difficulty concentrating, 6) Having trouble sleeping... All these may lead to more anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and risky behaviors...

Minimizing your FOMO.

Dealing with the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) syndrome can be challenging but manageable with some proactive steps. Here are several strategies to help combat FOMO:

1. Recognize Triggers

2. Practice Mindfulness

3. Set Clear Goals

4. Manage Social Media,

5. Focus on Yourself

6. Practice Gratitude

7. Embrace JOMO, (Joy of Missing Out)

8. Connect Authentically:

9. Set Technology Boundaries.

10. Seek Professional Help.

By implementing these strategies, you can gradually reduce the grip of FOMO and reclaim control over your thoughts and actions. Remember, it's about finding a healthy balance that aligns with your values and personal growth.

Research shows that a fear of missing out can stem from unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life and that these feelings can propel us into greater social media usage. So, it helps to know that our attempts to alleviate feelings of FOMO can actually lead to behaviors that exacerbate it. Understanding where the problem lies, however, can be a great first step in overcoming it.

Be Well. Although FOMO is strongly correlated with social media usage, it is important to remember that it is a very real and common feeling among people of all ages. Everyone feels a certain level of FOMO at different times in their lives.

If you feel you are suffering from feelings of missing out, it can be helpful to reach out to a friend or spend some time reflecting on the things you are grateful for in your life. Activities like these can help us put things in perspective as we gather a greater sense of belonging and release the anxiety of "missing out" on anything.

~S. Vincent Shin,??? ??www.dhirubhai.net/in/vshin

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Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

“Stay Curious” and “Think for Yourself.”?? Always decide on your terms.? This is my research and analysis. Perhaps you should take a closer look at them and do additional investigation and scrutiny if they interest you. (SVS)

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References (Not limited to):

https://images.app.goo.gl/LpwLxabd4xyHae4b9

https://www.developgoodhabits.com/fear-of-missing-out/

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2014/07/29/fomo-history/

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