How social media can make you anxious that you're always missing out.
As social media usage increases, and you look at pictures of friends partying, stunning vacations or perfect families, that twinge of “Oh, I wish I was there instead of here” can take over.
A recent study indicates that 56 percent of social media users admit to suffering from Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) and 51 percent of people visit or log on more frequently to social networks than they did just two years ago.
The anxiety from FOMO can prevent you from truly enjoying your life. It keeps you in a state of want that can lead you to feeling dissatisfied about your current life, and that in turn may lead to dysfunctional relationships.
Here are a few tips for when that feeling starts to creep up on you. Give these a try and it will help you live a more present and happy life.
Minimize Social Media
Do you check in on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram the moment you wake up? I know it’s hard to avoid, but start cutting back on your social media time.
Notice the moments when you’re on your phone at a social event or while talking to someone and consider this: you are losing out on connections with real, live people because something you perceive as more entertaining is happening somewhere else. Tune into those that are in front of you and are meaningful to you right now.
Listen To Your Triggers
If you find yourself particularly distraught by a recurring theme, you may need to ask yourself why the thought of missing out on this is making you so upset. Maybe it’s time you reevaluate your own life.
If it’s travel pictures that have you worked up, plan a vacation. If you’re constantly creeping your friends’ photos while they’re enjoying a night out, try to go out more and socialize. If it’s your mommy friends posting baby pictures that are making you ache, you might just be ready to consider starting your own family.
Whatever it is, listen to your heart and start exploring the possibility of your own dreams that you can work towards.
Do a Reality Check
How often do you post pictures of your night at home by yourself? Ever bragged online about how you just got fired or dumped? Do you really think anyone is giving the whole picture of themselves in their online presence?
The truth about social media sites is that these snapshots don't show everything. We’re able to tailor our images to reflect the best possible light. Always remember this when you think that someone else has it better than you.
How do you fight that stress of missing out, and how does social media make you feel? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below and let us know.
Featured Image: livescience
Anokhi Blogs, Anokhi Media, Anxiety, Envy, Facebook, Fear, Health, Instagram, Missing Out, Pinterest, Relationships, Snapchat, Social Media, Twitter
Yvonne Sinniah
Author
Yvonne Sinniah (@YvonneSinniah) is a Relations Advisor and inspirational speaker focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. She is on a mission to meet a nee...
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