Do you ever feel like you are missing out on something important in life? Are you scrolling through countless posts on social media wanging on about wild swimming, exotic holidays or exciting events that you can't participate in/are affordable/haven't been invited to? Perhaps you do have a rich and varied life but feel like there is something more you should/could be doing right now. Maybe you compare yourself to others and feel inadequate or dissatisfied. If so, you might be experiencing fear of missing out (FOMO).
FOMO is a common phenomenon that can affect anyone, especially in today’s fast-paced and connected world. It can cause anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and even depression. But how can you cope with FOMO and live a more fulfilling and authentic life?
One possible answer is person-centred counselling. Person-centred
counselling is an approach that puts you at the centre of your own health and well-being. It means that you are treated as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a problem. It means that your preferences, values, goals, and needs are respected and supported by your therapist. It means that you are involved in making decisions that help you achieve your potential. It recognises all the cultural and socio-economic factors that can have an impact on your life choices and respects differences and diversities.
Person-centred counselling can help you overcome FOMO by:
Improving your health literacy: Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information to make informed choices about your health. By improving your health literacy, you can gain more control over your health and well-being, and reduce the uncertainty and confusion that can fuel FOMO. For example, if you have a chronic health condition, learning more about your condition affects you as an individual and the unique ways that you can manage it can help you cope better with the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
Enhancing your self-awareness: Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, thoughts, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. By enhancing your self-awareness, you can develop a more realistic and positive self-image, and avoid comparing yourself to others or idealizing what they have. For example, if you feel envious of someone else’s success or happiness, you can reflect on what makes you happy and what you are grateful for in your own life.
Fostering your relationships: Relationships are the connections that you have with other people who care about you and support you. By fostering your relationships, you can increase your sense of belonging and social support, and reduce the isolation and loneliness that can trigger FOMO. For example, if you feel left out of a social event or activity, you can reach out to someone who understands how you feel and who can offer you comfort and encouragement.
Empowering your choices: Choices are the decisions that you make about your life and how to live it. By empowering your choices, you can pursue your own interests and passions, and create a life that is meaningful and satisfying for you. You can also avoid regretting the choices that you didn’t make or the paths that you didn’t take. For example, if you feel tempted to follow someone else’s expectations or advice, you can ask yourself what you really want and what is best for you.
Person-centred counselling is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a flexible and individualized approach that adapts to your unique situation and needs. This is your space to air all those difficult thoughts and feelings; a place where your green eyed monster can be heard with compassion and understanding we all have a shadow side so let's stop pretending that don't experience jealousy, resentment and longing for more than we have.
Remember, FOMO is not a permanent or inevitable state of mind. You can overcome it and live a more authentic and fulfilling life. You are not missing out on anything-honestly. You are creating your own life.
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