A phenomenon which is defined as “Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere and you miss it, often aroused by posts seen on social media”
It has different forms of attachments like fear of missing parties, events, new stuff that you want to buy, etc…
but I will focus on the FOMO related to fear of missing out posts, likes, shares, etc… on social media.
Some Symptoms are: checking the social media platforms and email frequently with no specific reason even if you are with friends, studying or in a meeting.
Fear of turning off social media notifications if encouraged to do so.
And getting anxious if the internet is down where you are!
The result of such phenomena would be that the person ends up being less productive and less focused.
Five EASY Steps you can focus on doing in order to get rid of the FOMO :
1. Before you go to sleep, place your mobile away from your bed or if you need it as an alarm, make sure you turn off the wi-fi and data to prevent yourself from checking the mobile if you wake up in the middle of the night to ensure getting enough quite sleep and giving your brain time to recover.
2. While working, studying, dining, sitting in a meeting, having family quality time, in a friends’ outing, or even while watching TV; make sure the mobile is in another room and make sure also that all your social media platforms are not easily accessible from the laptop you are using. This will minimize your check ins!
3. make a clear deal with your inner self to set specific times and durations per day to check your social media… for example :never check first thing in the morning, check once in the middle of the day and once in the afternoon with a fixed duration and choose only one platform for each time you check. Be honest and reasonable with yourself… remember it’s a decision about YOU and your mental health as an adult not about anyone else.
4. Plan seriously for each day from the night before; write down all your work, family time, sports time, hobbies time and place them all on your agenda… even put your social media time. Evaluate your performance every night by checking how well your plan went and how committed you were.
5. Every successful plan needs consistency, commitment and support. If you are serious about taking action, share with family and friends, make a deal together and start today.
This plan and steps are applicable for adults! Since children and teenagers still need parents’ control, boundaries and follow up.
By Heba Fawzy
PCI Certified Parent Coach® ,
Personal Coach
PCI Alumni Regional Leader
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