Have you ever been doing your homework and decide to scroll through Instagram to take a break, only to see your friends at a party you didn’t get an invitation to? Or maybe you skipped school the day of the KIIS FM event where Kaido came and sang for your classmates? 

That painful, sinking feeling goes by the name of FOMO, or “the fear of missing out.” And while it may feel like you're the only one who feels this way, you're not alone. Basic things as simple as social media posts can trigger insecurity, jealousy or even pain  .

FOMO comes in different shapes and sizes:

When a friend sporadically hangs out  with a new group. 

When the class is discussing a show or book you have never seen or read.

When the lunch table starts whispering to one another in front of you.

Based on these examples, FOMO appears as just another aspect of teenage life, however its effect on one's mental health is long-lasting. Studies prove that constantly comparing yourself to others leads to deprived self-esteem, anxiety and mistrust overall. With these traits added to one’s personality school and daily routine only becomes a further struggle.

Luckily, although hard to completely be rid of, FOMO is more than manageable. Here are just a few examples of how to conquer the fear of missing out:

Practice gratitude and acceptance. Know there will always be times when you can’t be a part of something. Focus on who and what you have and enjoy – your sports, hobbies, friends, family and more.

Join things that excite and interest you! Whether it’s robotics, girl-up, book club or water-polo, find what makes you happy instead of dwelling on what you’re not accomplishing.

Talk with others. Truthfully, the majority of teens, one way or another, feel the way you do. Expressing how we feel, and being able to relate to one another is one of the best ways to affirm you’re not alone.

Set limitations for yourself. Social media distorts the image of events. Stepping back from it occasionally can bring a sense of reality back.

Highschool, as well as being filled with new opportunities and vast exploration, puts a pressure on teens to keep up with their educational and social activities. When you notice yourself feeling FOMO, pause, and remind yourself you don’t need to be everywhere and do everything to matter.