The term “FOMO” has been around for over 20 years, meaning people have experienced this negative emotional state long before us. However, as college students, we experience FOMO, or fear of missing out, more frequently than not. Not only are our peers constantly going out, traveling, and having endless plans, but living in this age of technology we can watch people post every little thing they do on social media. Makes you think of that Olivia Rodrigo song “jealousy, jealousy.” It’s hard to not feel these negative feelings, especially if you’re seeing your friends spam their IG stories while you’re not in the city for the weekend.
However, if you are missing plans with friends after being invited, there’s usually some reasoning behind it. You could be behind on studying or have work or have a family engagement or simply be wiped out from the week before and need a night to decompress.
In my experience, the restaurant where I serve loves to schedule me on weekends, since that’s when we are the busiest. Unfortunately, weekends are also my friends’ ideal days (and nights) to go out. This has resulted in a lot of miserable hours at work — Sorry to the customers! It’s not you, it’s me! But letting one night where you can’t join your friends at a lame bar ruin your life is simply ridiculous. Instead, I’ve found some ways to prevent these feelings of FOMO from flaring up.
- Get off social media!!!!
If you must be in your hometown for the weekend because your uncle is getting married, why are you worrying about what your friends are doing hours away? This is only going to cause you negative feelings, and you’ll never be able to enjoy the time away. Instead of being hung up on what you’re missing, you should cherish this time with your family, because it’s not often everyone is gathered.
2. Set plans with friends for the future.
If you know that you work every Friday night while your friends hang out with each other and you know the FOMO you will feel, make plans with those friends for the following night. I always feel better having something to look forward to rather than remaining hung up on plans I couldn’t make it to.
3. Have a self-care night!
It’s important to prioritize yourself and not allow yourself to feel so low. So, take a long, hot shower. Do your elaborate skincare routine from start to finish. Splurge and order in from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Binge a Netflix show.
As hard as it can be to not fall into the negative emotional state of FOMO, it’s important to keep your mind occupied instead. Understand that everyone, not only college students, experience this frequently. It’s normal! But you can’t let yourself get too down. Therefore, instead of sitting around sulking try out one of the solutions above.