During this quarantine, there are dozens and dozens of free offerings in an effort to give something for people to do. There are free art classes, coding classes, Bible and religion classes, gardening classes, health classes, and the list goes on. But are all these free offerings adding to your stress? In comes FOMO: the Fear of Missing Out.

 

It can be very tempting to grab as many things as possible right now, while they’re free. Maybe you’re like me and just an information junky – the more things I can learn, the better. But piling all the free things on to your to-do list can raise anxiety, something that may be heightened already at this time. But shouldn’t we grab what we can get while we can get it?

 

There is a very important consideration that should come into play here: when you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. I listened to a webinar by Crystal Evans Hurst recently and she talked about this and how her mother was amazing at saying no. That may seem harsh to some, especially to all the people pleasers out there. But saying no can keep balance in your life, which can help reduce anxiety.

 

So, I encourage all of you…the next time something comes up and it’s almost too good to pass up, think about what you would be saying no to. Will you be saying no to time with family? Time to read a book? Time to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful activity? Or even just saying no to peace because your to-do list got that much longer. It’s something to think about.

 

Steffani Wooley, MA, LPC-I

Jon