FOMO and Mental Health: Why You Feel Like You're Missing Everything
Why you feel like you're missing everything (and what to do about it)
Hi friends,
Thank you to everyone who voted and shared in yesterday's poll! Your responses really opened my eyes to how differently these triggers hit each of us.
One of you commented: "I saw a mom's post about her kids 'begging to do more science experiments' and I literally laughed out loud. My kids beg for more screen time and snacks. Are we even the same species?"
This is FOMO in action, and it's not just about missing out—it's about missing who you really are.
What FOMO Actually Does to Your Brain
Fear of Missing Out triggers your brain's threat detection system. When you see others having experiences you're not having, your brain interprets this as social exclusion—which, evolutionarily, meant danger.
The result? Your nervous system activates as if you're actually being left behind by your tribe. Heart rate increases, stress hormones release, and decision-making becomes reactive instead of intentional.
Summer FOMO hits different because:
There's cultural pressure that these months "count more"
Limited timeline creates urgency ("Summer's almost over!")
Kids' expectations add another layer of pressure
Financial constraints make exclusion feel more real
The Hidden Mental Health Cost
Chronic FOMO doesn't just make you feel bad in the moment. It:
Erodes self-trust: You start believing other people know better than you what you should be doing
Increases anxiety: Constant worry about missing the "right" experiences
Depletes decision-making energy: Every choice becomes loaded with "but what if..."
Damages present-moment awareness: You're always mentally somewhere else
Creates financial stress: Impulse spending to keep up
Weakens family bonds: Kids absorb your anxiety about not doing enough
FOMO vs. JOMO: A Different Way Forward
What if instead of Fear of Missing Out, you cultivated Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)?
JOMO isn't about settling or giving up. It's about getting so clear on what actually matters to you that other people's choices become interesting but irrelevant.
The woman who chooses a quiet Saturday at home instead of the crowded festival? She's not missing out—she's choosing what fills her up.
The mom who says no to expensive summer camp because a savings account brings more peace than activities? She's not depriving her kids—she's modeling values-based decisions.
Vote and share: What's one experience you thought you were "missing out" on that turned out to be perfect to miss?
Your Summer, Your Joy
Here's your FOMO reality check: Most of what you think you're missing out on, you're not actually missing.
You're not missing out on stress, overstimulation, financial strain, or performing happiness for social media.
You're not missing out on activities that don't match your family's actual interests, energy levels, or values.
You're choosing differently. And choosing differently is not the same as missing out.
Tomorrow, we're going to talk about how to craft your own authentic summer story—one that's so aligned with who you are that FOMO becomes irrelevant.
Talk to you soon,
Mary
