There was a time, in the not too distant past, that when you wanted to know what someone was doing, you had to ask them. The reality was that you could go days, weeks, even months without knowing that a friend had been to Hawaii, or met a superstar backstage, or got invited to that really cool thing you knew absolutely nothing about. Now, of course, that's simply not the case. You need only pull you up your favourite social media app to find all your friends, family, and strangers doing way more exciting things than you in real time.
Wikipedia defines FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) as a form of social anxiety. It can also, in my humble opinion, be described as a form of jealously. And you know what, that's totally normal. You'd have to be superhuman not to be susceptible to that emotion. The key in today's world, though, is getting your fear of missing out under control so you don't actually miss the important things in your life.
Accept that the world does not revolve around you. There are exciting things happening all day that you won't be involved in. Breathe, you're going to be okay.
Accept your reality. Look around. It's not so bad, is it? Chances are you have it pretty good right now. Clothes on your back, food to eat, roof over your head, a job.
Remember that their reality is not as sexy as it looks. I've been to those "exclusive" events where it looks like everyone is having such an amazing time, and let me tell you, most of them would rather be sitting where you are right now.
Seek out the company of your children. Your kids don't have this affliction yet. They are perfect little beings to practice being in the moment with. Don't share this moment with anyone via social media. Be greedy and keep it all to yourself.
Be happy for others. As much as possible, like their picture, wish them well, tell them they're beautiful. What you put out in the world comes back to you tenfold.
Remember. Remember that time you walked on the beach with the perfect sunset? Remember that amazing party you attended? Remember that hot dress you wore? Yeah, that's right, you've had some pretty great moments too.
Do something. Is your time best served surfing Instagram or going for a walk? Trolling Facebook or getting a massage? Ask yourself this question every time you spend longer than ten minutes at a time on social media.
Put yourself in a social media time-out. Seriously, walk away if it's causing you anxiety. There are very real stressors in life—birth, death, marriage, divorce, illness, renovations—fear of missing out attending a party is not a valid stressor. If those feelings creep in, time to kick it old school and step away from the technology.
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