The fear of missing out has been around for centuries but it has been exacerbated by mobile phones and social media as we compare our ordinary lives to other people's highlight reels. Researchers have found that the fear of missing out is linked to smartphone and social media usage. This is not surprising really - the more we see other people doing fun, exciting things the more we feel that we are missing out. Ironically, when we are feeling depressed or anxious, our social media usage increases which then increases our fear of missing out, which increases our depression and anxiety etc. 

How to minimise FOMO:

1. Set a timer when you start to scroll on social media so that you don't waste hours online
2. Keep a gratitude journal
3. Put your phone down and do something - go for a bike ride, bake something, create something.