The idea of FOMO (fear of missing out) is something that’s always been really funny to me. I am usually ok with the idea of “missing out,” especially if it’s because I am taking time off for self-care. I also tend not to enjoy crowds, loud noises, etc so my FOMO isn’t usually that intense. But now that it’s warm, the days are long, and the sun is shining, the summer FOMO is REAL… especially for Sean. I wanted to share some tips on how I balance getting the most out of summer while also making time for self-care.
How to Deal with Summer FOMO & Still Take Care of Yourself
But first, what is FOMO?
FOMO is an acronym for Fear of Missing Out. In 2013, it was actually added to the Oxford English Dictionary and is defined as “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website.” It is literally the overwhelming feeling of not being included in stuff that’s happening.
The funniest part about writing this post to me is the fact that it really shows how opposite Sean and I are from each other. During the summer, he simply wants to do All Of The Things. Sailing, climbing, backpacking, hiking, swimming, roadtripping. All of it, all at once. Meanwhile, I definitely need time to pause and recharge my batteries. I’m a homebody and enjoy a quiet weekend at home every once in a while. The balance we’ve struck is based on being ok with each person doing their own thing. That’s not to say we don’t do stuff together. If anything, we make sure there’s a balance of the two so that we’re both happy.
Let’s dig into some tips that help me steer clear of FOMO.
Establish healthy habits
The easiest way to maintain balance is to have a good foundation of self-care in place already. For me, this means that I stick to my routine as much as I can in order to maintain some normalcy in my life. That way, when the FOMO strikes, I can trust in the fact that I am doing what my body and mind need.
Try not to get caught up in social media
I know it can look like everyone on Instagram is on vacation all of the time, but it’s simply not true. It’s so easy to take a million photos during one trip and then continue to post when you’re back. I’m guilty of it, for sure! As a blogger and influencer, I try to keep it as real as possible with you. That means sharing my reality and behind-the-scenes peeks. If you catch yourself with that wistful FOMO feeling because it seems like everyone and their mom is on a beach, it might be time to find new people to follow.
Examine what’s make you unhappy in your own life
I believe that if you’re comparing your life to others and feeling dissatisfied, something is missing. Working with a coach and going to therapy have both done wonders for helping me to identify those things in my own life. Then, I could work on addressing the issues and letting them go. Trust me, it’s not an easy process, but it really does help.
Do you experience FOMO, especially in the summer? I’d love to hear about your experience.
Also, looking for more wellness and self-care posts? Check out these:
- 8 Summer Self-Care Ideas
- 5 Ways to Get Over Jet Lag That Actually Worked For Me
- What is Decision Fatigue?
- Let’s Talk about Doing Less
