7 Ways to Overcome FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Summer is here, and the need to overcome FOMO is real!

FOMO can be especially prevalent during the summertime and holiday seasons when people go on vacation and spend extra time with friends and family.

FOMO, which stands for “fear of missing out,” can arise after seeing the montage of beautiful photos and videos shown on social media.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, FOMO means “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.”

It’s the constant need to always keep up with everyone else and what they’re doing.

FOMO can cause fear of inferiority and anxiety.

Some examples of FOMO are:

Seeing your friends at different stages of their lives (i.e., marriage, kids, career, etc.).
Needing to match a specific aesthetic because everyone else is
Keeping up with the trends
Seeing other people on vacation while you’re working

This post is all about how to overcome FOMO and own up to where you are in life.

Check out these seven ways to avoid and overcome FOMO.

Related post: 13 Awesome Summer Self-Care Ideas

How to Overcome FOMO:

Social media is a highlight reel.

Remind yourself that social media is only part of the story.

You only get a glimpse of other people’s lives on social media, and, most of the time, they’re just showcasing their highlight reels (i.e., the best part of their days).

It’s not the complete picture, so try to remember that before thinking the grass is greener on the other side.

Give yourself grace for needing “me time.”

Sometimes not going to events is our choice, and that’s okay.

Own up to your decision of not going and be nice to yourself for needing the time to yourself.

It’s okay not to always be out and about doing things with everyone.

Sometimes we genuinely need the time and space to do our own things.

Avoid social media.

If you know that it’s too hard for you not to compare, remove yourself from the situation and triggers.

Reduce or altogether avoid social media to avoid feeling major FOMO from your friends’ highlight reels.

Make your own plans.

Instead of comparison, use your FOMO as inspiration to make your own plans. Add it to the list of things you want to do or try in the future.

Make it a point to plan your own event or vacation. It’s okay not to be included in this one.

Change your perspective.

Take in and savor life as it is, and enjoy where you are now.

You are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Remind yourself of the path that you’re on and own it.

Think about why you have FOMO.

Reflect upon where your FOMO is coming from.

Consider if you are the cause of your own FOMO. For example, have you said “no” so many times in the past that people stopped inviting you?

Or, is there a deeper underlying issue that triggers your FOMO?

If you feel constant FOMO, it might be good to consider talking to someone about why you may be feeling this way and get to the root of the issue.

Focus on what you do have.

Practice gratitude and focus on the good instead of what you’re missing out on.

Be grateful for where you are and find joy in the present moment.

Look for the opportunity in your current situation – what does it allow you to do that you wouldn’t be able to do if you were somewhere else?

Use gratitude to appreciate where you are now to avoid FOMO.

Are you looking for even more mindset and personal development inspiration?

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