Sahel and summer getaways season has officially started; and do you know what that means for some of those staying in Cairo in the long 10-day break ahead? FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)! With all the partying and beach fun that is going to spam our social media feed in the coming days, it is normal that some people will be hit by some symptoms of FOMO, such an insidious condition that you are stuck alone here while everyone is having fun. A fact that might give you some sense of relief, if you encountered that feeling before, you are not alone.
But first, let’s explain a bit more what FOMO is.
Have you ever skipped a gathering, a party, or a trip somewhere – whether by your own choice or due to some circumstances – then woke up the next day looking at all the pictures and stories then you get that creeping voice inside that tells you ‘I shouldn’t have skipped that.'? There you go, that’s FOMO. FOMO, which is an acronym for ‘Fear of Missing Out’ is that uneasy and annoying feeling of missing out on things that our peers might be doing. With the big role that social media plays in our lives, this sense of regret has become more common. The more we scroll, the more we feel others are having a better time, more fun, or living a more exciting life than us.
While some might think that getting out of the FOMO vicious cycle is being more out there, the answer is no, simply because you can’t say ‘yes’ to everything that comes your way. So, instead here is what you need to do.
Understand that not everything you see on social media is real.
The best solution can be to cut down on social media altogether, but that might be an easy option for everyone. In that case, you need to make believe that social media is not real. People only post the best moments or even post about it whether they’re not enjoying but it has become habitual that we document everything.
Experience JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).
On the opposite side of FOMO, there is JOMO or the Joy of Missing Out. There is a lot happening in the world every minute and it is physically impossible to be everywhere all at once. So, instead of wallowing in regret that it is greener on the other side, find joy in the choice you made and where you are at that moment. And then, maybe you will realize you are not really missing out on anything in the first place.
Accept the fact that you can’t have it all at once.
Because we can’t have it all, we need to prioritize what we pick and say ‘yes’ to. Learn more about yourself and the things that really matter to you. When you learn more about your priorities you will be able to make the right choices for you, not for the social media posts, not to please someone, just for you.
Focus on the good and you will feel good.
Make the best of what you have. Yes, you might be in that fancy dinner gathering or talk-of-the-city party but that’s not the end of the fun out there in the world. Find something you love and enjoy doing it can be as simple as a nice meal or a cup of coffee with a friend you haven’t met in a while. Find happiness in the little things.
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