The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be your worst enemy when you’re a slave to social media. It feels like you’re not online enough even when you’re always on your phone. You see updates from your friends and question why you weren’t part of their plans. Then, you go into a downward spiral of self-doubt and need validation from other people.
It’s not a pretty felling. Thankfully, you can get rid of FOMO by turning to self-care. Here’s your guide:
Spend One Day Offline
When you become too dependent on online validation, your life becomes just a series of posts chasing after more likes and attention. You feel like nothing offline matters. You may have spent time with your friends but if you don’t have an aesthetic photo to show for it, it feels like it didn’t happen. That’s a good indicator that you need some time offline to reassess your priorities. Use this time to clean your room, have a meaningful conversation with your friends, prepare your favorite dishes, or just read a book. Know that your life does not stop when you’re not posting, so don’t be too busy filling up your profile when everything else in your life could be just as interesting. There are worthwhile things you can do even if you’re offline, and this timeout will not make you any less popular.
Take Yourself on a Date
FOMO is most prominent when you see your supposed friends having fun without you. When they go out with their significant others, you feel left out and get to the conclusion that you’re missing out because you don’t have your other half. The relationship status of your friends should not pressure you into a relationship if you’re not ready, and it certainly shouldn’t make you feel bad when you can’t find someone to pair up with. Change this mindset by taking yourself out on a date and enjoying this alone time to be generous to yourself. Dates are a way for couples to get to know each other; do this to get to know yourself and ask why you feel the way you feel when you’re on social media. You might be surprised at what you discover. Knowing the problems will prompt you to make improvements for yourself, not for anyone else.
Splurge on Yourself
You don’t need to be in a relationship to have a fancy dinner. You don’t need someone else to go shopping with. You don’t need to wait for a partner to travel. Doing these things by yourself will give you that empowerment you wouldn’t have gotten if you were with someone else. When you have no one else to rely on, each problem you solve is your triumph to celebrate. Each item you buy is for you to enjoy. Even if you’re just home and face toner online shopping, you know exactly which items benefit your skin most. Shopping for your clothes? You know your size and what fits you best. Seeing yourself in the mirror wearing a cute outfit also brings out the confidence that has been hidden for so long.
It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when you see everyone else’s posts online. But don’t let this stop you from living a good and healthy life offline.
