Conquering Fear of Missing Out: 6 Ways to Cure FOMO

FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out, is a common feeling among many people today. With the rise of social media and technology, it is easy to compare ourselves with others and feel like we are missing out on something.

What is FOMO?

So, you're wondering, "What exactly is FOMO?" Well, imagine scrolling through your social media feed, seeing your friends at a party you didn't attend, or on a tropical vacation while you're stuck at home. That pang you feel?

That's FOMO. It's that gnawing anxiety where others are having rewarding experiences from which you're absent.

It's like a little annoying voice in your head whispering, "hey, you're missing out on the fun!" Sounds relatable, right? We've all been there.

However, it is important to remember that focusing too much on what others are doing can prevent us from truly enjoying our own lives. Instead, we can strive towards JOMO, or Joy Of Missing Out, by spending time alone and appreciating our own company.

In this blog post, we will discuss six practical ways to conquer FOMO and embrace JOMO, so you can be your non-anxious self in the present moment.

Have you ever heard of JOMO?

It stands for "Joy Of Missing Out" and it's a term used to describe the feeling of happiness one experiences when they choose to stay in and be alone, rather than go out and socialize.

It's a concept that's gaining popularity in our fast-paced, always-connected world. With the constant pressure to be busy and social, JOMO offers a refreshing perspective on the benefits of being by oneself.

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle can allow us to connect with our inner selves, find peace, and appreciate the simple things in life.

So, next time you feel FOMO creeping in, try embracing JOMO instead and see how much joy being alone can bring. JOMO comes with some legit benefits, check those out before we dive into the 6 Ways to Cure FOMO.

The Top 5 Benefits of JOMO: Spending time alone and enjoying your own company

1. Self-Discovery:

Being alone gives you the perfect opportunity to explore your own thoughts, emotions, and interests. It's a chance to ask yourself what truly makes you happy, helping you understand yourself better.

2. Increased Productivity:

Without the distractions that accompany socializing, you can focus on your tasks and make significant progress. Whether it's reading a book, working on a project, or practicing a hobby, JOMO aids productivity.

3. Mental Reset:

The hustle and bustle of life can be mentally exhausting. Embracing JOMO gives your mind a much-needed break, helping you feel refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

4. Reduced Stress:

When you're not constantly comparing your life to others, you experience less stress. This leads to better mental health and an overall sense of well-being.

5. Authentic Connections:

JOMO allows you to nurture deeper and more meaningful relationships. When you choose quality over quantity in your social interactions, you build stronger connections.

Remember, it's okay to miss out on things sometimes. The world won't stop spinning, and you'll feel much better for it. So, the next time FOMO rears its head, remind yourself of the benefits of JOMO and take a step back to enjoy your own company. Before delving into the six ways of conquering FOMO, we felt it essential to outline the benefits of spending time alone. Your mental health is what matters most, but being alone isn't as easy as it sounds. You'll need some new tools in your tool kit truly master your solo missions.

By choosing to enjoy your own company, you can tune out distractions, be more productive and learn how to be content in your own skin. Let's dive into the six ways of conquering FOMO so you can see how.

The Top 6 Ways to Defeat FOMO

1. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude:

Mindfulness and gratitude are essential for conquering FOMO. When you focus on what you have, and you practice being present in the moment, you tend to appreciate your life more. Some simple practices of mindfulness and gratitude include keeping a gratitude journal, meditating, taking mindful walks, and tracking your mood. Incorporating these practices into daily life can help you develop a positive outlook and appreciate the present moment.

2. Take a Digital Detox:

Technology and social media can keep us hooked and disconnected from reality. A digital detox is the perfect way to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with your real life. When you put away your devices, you can focus on more meaningful activities, like spending time with loved ones, trying out new hobbies, and improving personal growth. A digital detox allows you to experience things nearby, pay more attention to your surroundings, and live in the moment. If you need some mental health support, just try to stay present and aware!

3. Try Solo Travel:

Traveling solo is a wonderful way to conquer FOMO and experience growth. It's a great opportunity to challenge yourself, be independent, and open yourself up to new possibilities. When you travel alone, you get to experience a new culture in your own way, explore new places and meet new people. Taking solo trips can be daunting, but with a bit of planning and preparation, they can be a worthwhile experience and increase life satisfaction dramatically.

4. Embrace Hobby and Skill Development:

Instead of focusing on what others are doing, take time to invest in yourself and your hobbies. Explore new skills you've always wanted to learn, sign up for a dance class, enroll in a cooking course, or read a novel. Embracing your interests can help you find joy and fulfillment, making JOMO a more natural experience.

5. Take a Self-Care Day:

Taking time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself is essential to conquering FOMO. A self-care day can help you refresh your mind and body, prioritize your mental health, enhance your physical well being and ultimately eliminate stress. There is a range of self-care activities you can enjoy, from taking a soothing bubble bath, participating in a yoga class, getting a massage, pampering yourself with a skincare routine, or spending time outdoors.

6. Try CBD:

CBD is helpful in managing FOMO as it can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Sunday Scaries offers the best CBD products for FOMO, including gummies, tinctures and even dog products (more on that later).

Harnessing the Power of CBD for FOMO

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant, known for its calming and wellness benefits. Incorporating CBD products into your routine can be an effective strategy in managing FOMO, as it can contribute to fostering a sense of calm, balance, and relaxation.

Whether it's taking a CBD gummy while hopelessly scrolling on social media platforms, a few drops of CBD oil in your evening tea to deal with social exclusion, or some CBD candy to quell your internet addiction - these products can help you appreciate the present moment and find satisfaction in your own experiences.

Scientifically, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors found throughout our body that regulates various physiological processes such as sleep, appetite, pain, and mood.

The ECS is all about maintaining balance or homeostasis in the body. When CBD enters the body, it binds to certain receptors in the ECS, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors, found primarily in the brain, play a key role in mood regulation, while CB2 receptors, located in the immune system, are linked to inflammation and pain.

By interacting with these receptors, CBD encourages the body to produce more endocannabinoids, which helps maintain homeostasis and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. This is how CBD contributes to promoting relaxation and calmness, and how it will significantly decrease your FOMO.

Furthermore, CBD can enhance sleep quality. Regular use of CBD can help you establish a healthy sleep pattern, allowing you to start each day refreshed and less likely to experience FOMO. Good sleep can boost your mood, increase your productivity, and make you more inclined to enjoy your own company and daily routine.

Ok, enough with the science. But what if your daily routine gets messed up on a Sunday, when you aren't strictly following a To Do list or subject to the structure that other days of the week provide?

How do the Sunday Scaries affect FOMO?

Sunday Scaries often creep in as the weekend draws to a close, making you apprehensive about the impending workweek.

This can be exacerbated by FOMO, especially when you see posts of people relishing their Sunday brunches, out on adventurous hikes, or simply having a chill day at the beach.

This feeling of missing out on the supposed "perfect" Sunday can contribute to a sense of Sunday Scaries, amplifying the dread of Monday and potentially causing stress and anxiety before the workweek even begins.

Remember, what you see on social media is often a highlight reel, and it's perfectly okay to have a quiet, low-key Sunday. Turning FOMO into JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out, can be a game-changer for tackling Sunday Scaries.

Why is FOMO Scarier Now Than Ever Before?

Practicing the 6 Ways to Defeat FOMO and incorporating CBD in your every day is vital now more than ever. We're in a scary point of history where mental health issues are on the rise, and isolation is felt by more people than ever recorded.

COVID is partly to blame, but there is more at play. Like, for example, that thing that's buzzing in your pocket.

Yes, your phone. But we're not talking about texts from grandma. We're talking about your digital crutches: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.

With the rise of social media, it's so easy to see what others are doing and feel left out.

Social networking sites are increasingly becoming more more and more addicting, and social anxiety in general is being amplified by information overdose.

Before simply believing us, check out why social anxiety is on the rise and how social networking sites are detrimental to your well being.

The Impact of Social Media on FOMO

Social media platforms, with their incessant stream of posts showcasing people's 'perfect' lives, often amplify the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). The danger lies in the potential for these sites to skew our perception of reality and make us feel inadequate.

The constant exposure to carefully curated highlight reels can trigger feelings of envy, inferiority, and loneliness, thereby increasing anxiety and stress levels.

Social networking addiction is no joke, so would you change your human behavior knowing that your mental health may be in jeopardy?

Lowering Social Media Engagement for Increased Happiness:

Interestingly, research suggests that reducing social media engagement can significantly enhance one's happiness and overall quality of life. Lowering screen time can free up hours in your day, which can be allocated to more meaningful and fulfilling activities such as pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones on a deeper level.

4 Practical Ways to Lower Social Media Usage:

If you're ready to take the leap and dial down your social media usage, here are some practical ways to do so:

1. Set Strict Boundaries:

Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day. Use built-in tools on your device to monitor your usage and set reminders to take regular breaks.

2. Unfollow or Mute Triggers:

Go through your list of friends, pages, and groups. Unfollow or mute any that make you feel inadequate or anxious.

3. Turn Off Notifications On Social Networking Sites:

Fighting the tyranny of the urgent is key. This means that while you're simply trying enjoy the present, ensure that your notifications are off so they don't distract you from your engagement at hand. That IG message can wait...

4. Replace with Positive Actions for Mental Health:

Instead of spending time scrolling aimlessly, replace this behavior with positive actions such as reading a book, practicing yoga, or cooking a healthy meal.

Remember, reducing your reliance on social media is a process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress. As you disconnect more from the virtual world, you'll find yourself reconnecting with the real world and experiencing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).

Once you unlock the benefits of JOMO, it may be time to pass on this life hack to your furry best friend. Yup, that's right, dogs can experience FOMO as well.

FOMO for Dogs, Is it real?

Absolutely, FOMO isn't just for humans. Our four-legged friends can experience it too. Dogs are inherently social creatures, and they thrive on interaction and companionship. When they're left out or alone, they may feel like they're missing out on all the fun.

Similar to humans, dogs can pick up on the emotions and energy of their surroundings. So, if there's excitement or a gathering they aren't part of, it can cause them to feel anxious or stressed.

Tails wagging, ears perked up, and that longing look in their eyes when they see you heading out without them - it's all signs of a doggy kind of FOMO.

This is why it's so important to spend quality time with your pets, engage them in activities, and make them feel included. After all, nobody likes feeling left out, not even our furry friends.

Luckily, pets can take CBD for FOMO as well. At Sunday Scaries we've created a product for our four-legged friends. FOMO Bones are our CBD-infused dog treats designed to help alleviate separation stress in dogs.

Separation worry can be a real issue for dogs and their owners, but with FOMO Bones, you can feel good about giving your pup a natural supplement to help calm their nerves.

With the benefits of CBD for dogs becoming more widely recognized, it's no surprise that FOMO Bones are becoming a go-to solution for pet owners looking for a natural way to ease their furry friend's worries.

Sidenote: Playing with your dog can be the 7th way to cure FOMO. Your mental health will immediately improve seeing how happy your pup is when you pet them behind the ears.

Your self esteem will rise, and so will there's. A FOMO on FOMO symbiotic relationship, if you will.

The FOMO Conclusion

Conquering FOMO requires a change in mindset and personal growth. You don't have to do everything all at once. Start small, and work your way up as you become more comfortable with yourself and your surroundings.

The key takeaway from this blog post is that practicing self-care, engaging in meaningful activities, and focusing on gratitude can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life.

That and spending more time with your furry friend who may be suffering from social exclusion as well.

It's time to embrace the present moment, stop comparing ourselves with others, and find joy in missing out.