By: Lisa Kayastha
We all have experienced FOMO at some point in our life. In the present situation amid the Coronavirus pandemic, some students are still stuck in their own country and not able to go to their university. This is when the students staying in their own country might start feeling FOMO. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is often mistaken as a small thing, but it can cause anxiety which can greatly affect an individual’s mental health.
Radella Tjahjadi, a 2nd-year student from Indonesia, says, “It is hard to make friends when you are not in Japan, to know their culture and practice Japanese as well.”
So, what should one do when they find themselves in this situation?
Source: King University Online
Change your focus
Changing your focus into something more engaging such as hobbies, helps to take your mind off of the things you feel like you are missing out on. When you spend your time doing what you like, you feel less anxious. Whether you like to read a book, watch a movie, bake, cook or go for a walk to feel refreshed and energized. Activities like these can help put our minds at peace as we gather a greater sense of belonging and release the anxiety of missing out.
Do not get too occupied by social media
A 1st year APU student from Indonesia, Gabriella Risti Ayu says, "When seeing my friends’ social media who are already in Japan, I think about how lucky they are to be in Beppu right now." Seeing them go to cute cafes, having fun parties makes her have the feeling of missing out.
Let's admit it, social media can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Spending too much time looking at what other people are doing, wondering how much fun they are having can mentally drain us. Rather take a break and relax. Limit the use of social media or do a social media detox which in return can feel refreshing and turn the fear of missing out (FOMO), into the joy of missing out (JOMO).
Source: Freepik
Express gratitude for being with friends and family
Take it as an opportunity to spend time with your close ones. Nothing can compare to the quality and fun time you spend with your friends and family. Eating home-cooked meals, having fun conversations, playing card games at night with family, or going out with friends will help you stay distracted.
Accept the situation rather than regret
Regretting makes the situation worse. Once you start regretting the same decision again and again, you will potentially dwell on those negative thoughts in your brain. Rather stay optimistic and go with the flow. Accept the situation and keep a positive mindset that everything is going to be alright.
Find a friend with similar situation and share your feelings
It is comforting to share your problems and feelings with a person who is in the same situation as you, because that person can understand it better as they have experienced it too. Have conversations with them about how you are feeling and how they are dealing with the same situation. It will take off the heavy load from your heart and mind once you share it with someone.
Additionally, in conversation on the topic of FOMO, Erin, a member of APU Mental Wellness club (MeWe), which is a student-led collaborative effort at APU that aims to amplify the importance of Mental Health through open communication and connecting community, expressed her view on FOMO.
She explained that FOMO can mentally affect an individual in several ways. It might build up stress in a person, and make them pay more attention to what others are up to. If it exhausts you and forces you to take up more than you can handle, then some actions should be taken such as a personal check-in to make sure that you are fine and comfortable with the pace of everything. Communicate and connect with others to break the invisible wall formed by FOMO.
If you wish to learn more about APU mewe, check the link below:
APU mewe: https://www.instagram.com/apu.mewe/
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