Breaking the Curse of FoMO
How You Can Stop FOMO Before It Stops You
BY Kat Crispo ★ October 15th, 2026
Photo creds: Saanya Malhotra
FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is a universal experience. Especially in college, and thanks to the constant presence of our phones, the fear of missing out is ever existent. Because of Instagram stalking and the ability to view people's locations on Snap Map, it's easy to feel excluded or like you're missing a major event that everyone else seems to be a part of. But why do we feel FOMO? And how can we break the cycle of always being afraid we're missing something important?
Our brains are hard-wired to seek inclusion, and the desire to find and grow connection is human. In other words, you're feeling FOMO because it's a natural human response. Since the beginning of time, people have created communities and bonded over shared experiences. That said, feelings of FOMO have been on the rise since the term was coined in 2004. Technological developments have turned FOMO from a natural feeling into a trigger for stress and anxiety. So how do we combat it?
Here are five strategies to combat those anxious thoughts:
Identify your thoughts. This is the first and most important step. Do you really feel FOMO? Or do you feel like you should be doing something, even though, deep down, it's not what you want to do? Remember: You and your mental health matter more than that darty.
Distract yourself. Maybe you saw someone's story while you were doomscrolling and it made you feel like you're missing out, simply because you weren't doing much at all. Do some online shopping or start a new book. You are your best company.
Call someone. Talking out your feelings with your best friend or a loved one is always the best medicine. They may be able to help you see things from a different perspective.
Move your body. Studies show that moving your body alters your brain chemistry, releases muscle tension, and calms your nervous system. Sometimes all you need is a little reset, and going for a walk or doing some yoga can be just the trick.
Journal. Getting your feelings down on paper, is the ultimate way to process them. By writing things down, you begin to clear the anxious thoughts in your head, and you may start to understand their roots.
At the end of the day, FOMO is simply a sign that you're hard-wired for connection, not a sign that you're missing out. Everyone is editing, filtering and posting only the highlights of their lives, not the more mundane day-to-day. Someone is probably clicking on your Instagram story and wishing they were like you. So the next time that wave of anxious thoughts hit, take a deep breath, check in with yourself and choose to spend your time filling your own cup. Your life isn't happening on some Instagram story; it's happening right here, right now. The best moments, the most memorable moments, are the ones you're fully present for.
Edited by Ella Dimitriadis