5 ways to overcome the fear of missing out in 2022
Hey, there, travel buddy! I hope you are exploring everything, making the most of every trip you are taking, and clicking pictures nonstop. Did I ask for too much?
Well, yes. Because even though we may feel like we can't miss out on anything, travel is not always about covering all the spots on the map but about exploring the inner you while at it. So, with the new year knocking on our doors already, let's set new resolutions with this in mind. Here are 5 things to learn how to deal with FOMO on your next trip.
Nowadays, many travellers have FOMO, i.e. the 21st century's term for anxiety or fear of missing out while travelling. They feel the compulsion to be everywhere, but of course, it's not possible.
I spoke to several travellers, and over 57 per cent agreed that they have FOMO while travelling. Additionally, 67 per cent of them said that they feel the need to cover every spot when they travel to a place.
This is a sign that we have major FOMO out there. So, today, my travel buddies, let's convert it into JOMO instead, i.e. the joy of missing out.
As a travel coach, I bring you the five things to do if you have FOMO on vacation. And, if you take these resolutions for the next year travel plans, life will be super awesome. So, let's welcome 2022 like it should be.
Remember, the grass is greener where you water it
You all must have heard the phrase, "The grass is greener on the other side." And the stimulation of this very phrase in our subconscious mind creates FOMO.
Let's picture a vacation. We are with a bunch of friends on a hike, while a couple of other friends are just chilling at the hotel. Those out and with FOMO will always think of the other group instead of enjoying that very moment; they will spend time worrying about not being present with the other group.
So, my friends, to solve this, feed your subconscious mind with a new phrase, "The grass is greener where you water it". And it makes perfect sense too. Isn't it?
Just remember that you can't be everywhere, so make the most of where you are!
Spare a day for yourself
As I mentioned earlier, travelling is more about exploring the inner you and we must not forget that. While working on this story, I spoke with a travel blogger with an Instagram page called @thebohobard and goes through major FOMO on trips.
"On trips, I don't do anything for myself. I am just like doing everything with other people. And when I reach home, I feel like I haven't spent enough time on myself, which I should have done," she said, interestingly explaining her fear.
Moreover, she added that she feels the need to make interesting conversations with new people all the time. While this is ok, it takes a toll on her at times. When asked about what she does to overcome this, this travel blogger says she likes to take a break from the travel group from time to time, spend some time alone, and plan things how she likes them.
What do you think? Isn't it an amazing way to deal with your FOMO? You can explore different places on your own; it could be tourist places, cafes, or anywhere you wish to visit.
Just go for a walk
If sparing a day seems too much to you, then how about just sparing a few hours for yourself and going for a walk? Don't worry too much about "Where to go?"
Just leave the place where you are every day and hit the road. Explore the culture, speak to the locals, taste the local food, or maybe walk silently until you feel like exploring. Go easy-peasy on yourself and feel the moment.
A creative escape
Now, sometimes on trips, it may come a time when even going for a walk feels like putting in an extra effort. Remember the last days of a trip? When you are dead tired and don't feel like walking out of the room.
On days like these, taking a creative escape can be a perfect option. You can choose to read, write, colour or paint. Thebohobard prefers painting and colouring as she feels it releases her anxiety and gives her the time to be more with herself.
You may have your own kind of creative escape. Be it planting trees, creating sandcastles or snowmen, scribbling, watching a play or a movie, or anything you like to do. This works!
Just sleep:
Ok, so I also did a travel poll on Instagram to know how many people find it difficult to sleep on trips while others are chilling. 19 out of 25 people who participated in the survey responded yes. That's almost 78 per cent.
I understand. But, at the same time, if you don't sleep on the trip, you will feel tired and might not be able to enjoy the rest of the vacation properly. So, the next time you feel like skipping your sleep, keep in mind that you might end up so tired that you won't do anything at all.
Take it from me. If you do, you are missing out on the best nights of sleep. Because during vacations you are less stressed, and you sleep very well, so, you have lesser dreams and can therefore enjoy more of a sound sleep. So why miss out on this beautiful experience?
Here you go, travel buddies. This is how I overcame my FOMO and converted it into JOMO. So, the next time you feel the same, turn back to this article, and you will feel less stressed and enjoy the vacation more, I promise.
I hope you have a wonderful vacation and a lot more in the coming year. See you soon!
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