Day 6 – Saturday has been an interesting day as I look back on all of the things that I have done without this week. Hence, the title of this blog post.
I have missed out on so many of my favourite foods, missed out on sleep as I blogged into the wee midnight hours, and missed out on some of my exercises (although was able to creatively make it work). However, when it comes to social media FOMO the struggle is real, as this anxiety condition affects so many people on a daily basis.
I don’t know if many people would raise their hand and confess that they have experienced FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when it comes to social media. I believe it is becoming more of an epidemic than we would care to admit. So many of us cannot be without our mobile phones, tablets, iWatches or laptops. Me included (at times). However, I am no where as bad as I used to be.
There was once a time, when I was constantly on social media, on every platform that I could be on from a mobile phone. Commenting, sharing or posting for my coaching business, engaging in online groups or adding pics to my personal profile.
I look back now and feel exhausted at the sheer thought of it all that screen time and being constantly switched on. It was only when I was ill a few years ago, that I checked out of being so actively visible everywhere online. It was not really a conscious decision, it just kind of happened. I just didn’t have the energy and was so burnout out, I had to stop. I lost interest in lots of things that I was once interested in.
I eventually checked out of life’s merry-go-round of being more invested in other peoples lives, than my own. Being constantly switched on like that, was no longer working for me, so I switched off. I literally stopped all social media activity for months and gave myself a nice well-deserved rest. Actually that rest lasted for some time. I can’t remember exactly how long it was, but it was long enough for people to start messaging me to ask if I was alive and well.
I was definitely alive, but I didn’t feel very well, so to protect my wellbeing and the anxiety and pressure I felt flicking through the social media feeds I switched it all off. I no longer managed my groups, I no longer took part in group discussions, I no longer had notifications popping up on my screen. I decided being interested in living my own life was more important and urgent as I learned how to take care of myself and restore my health.
During my recovery, I took a stand for my well-being, self-care, self-love, self-preservation and anything else good that I could give to myself that started with a ‘self’ in front of it – I took it. I started putting myself first. I signed up for a yoga and meditation retreat, which was the first big step in changing my lifestyle by revitalising and recharging my batteries. I started spending more time with myself and focused on my desires and my dream lifestyle (still a work in progress).
Now, that was a good few years ago. Fast forward to today. I can handle my relationship with the various social media platforms, because I have a better understanding of myself, and when I am tired or need to get other stuff done, I just put my mobile phone down. Easy right? Yes, it is that easy. Without fear. Just step away from your phone. Anyone can do it.
The other day I activated an app to monitor and manage how much I use social media every day. I was not surprised by the amount of time I spent on it, especially the ones that we showing as the least amount of time. The one that I clearly spend the most time on is the platform I enjoy the most. However, it did make me think that there are a few social media platforms that I do not enjoy using anymore – so why I am here?
Facebook is one of those social media platforms that used to rule my life, but now I rarely visit it and every time I do, the news feed seems depressing or I am receiving spam messages. Recently, it seems really glitchy and for some reason the order of posts and images seem really random on my news feed. My experience is really compromised by the glitchy behaviour that I end up logging off and not revisiting unless I want to visit a Facebook group I enjoy. So, are the days numbered for my Facebook account? I will see how I feel about it during these 10 weeks.
Last week I started a new online coaching group with my ladies, and none of them wanted me to create a Facebook group for communication, so instead we use WhatsApp and the online teaching platform has an inbuilt chat forum. So maybe I don’t need so many social media accounts after all.
I think I am at the point where the fear of missing out is no longer an issue for me on some platforms. My friends know where I am if they need me. I would definitely miss the lovely groups that I am currently engaging with, however, there are other ways to engage with my special interest groups online groups like Twitter and Instagram.
I think this lifestyle change is really helping me to think clearly and cut all kinds of crap out of my life. I am just not available for anything that does not serve me at my highest level of living. So let’s get on with my update for today.
My Food Intake Today
I decided today was going to be my cheat day (we are allowed one a week). I had a chinese takeaway of mixed vegetable in black bean sauce with rice and was only able to eat half of the container. I managed to drink 1.5 litres of water, 2 black coffees, 3 green teas and made myself this absolutely delicious smoothly, which contained 1 pint water and only 150ml of coconut milk, banana and blueberries.
I was determined to find a protein bar that I could actually eat and enjoy as all of the ones that I have found tasted plastic and synthetic and seemed to have so many additives. This body of mine needs to be treated like a temple and I could not be trying any more of those disgusting tasting protein bars into my gorgeously healthy body. So, I took myself off to Holland & Barrett and was helped by a lovely member of staff, who searched the whole store as we went through all of the labels on all of the protein bars, until we found something. ‘Deliciously Ella’ Almond and Blueberry Protein Bites to the rescue! OMG! they are 100% delicious. I remembered that I made some just like this when I first stopped eating meat, back in January 2017. Maybe I will make a batch this week and save myself some cash. These ones cost £1.99 each!!
Even with the Chinese takeaway, I was still under my calorie intake for the day and felt really energetic. I did alot of running around prepare for my son’s school trip, so I think that even if there was a bit too much fat content in my meals for the day. I am hoping I walked it all off.
My Exercise Today
We went to the movies to see Venom for our family night out, as it was our last night together for a week. I did a lot of walking today and lifting some weights at home but nothing too strenuous – after all it is the weekend!
My Overall Feelings Today
I am not sure why but today I was feeling really hungry. I don’t know if the more you exercise the hungrier you feel. But I felt famished by the end of the day. Overall I am in good spirits and feel like the lightening of food in my body is definitely having a positive effect on my mind. Loving the smoothie and that is giving me something to look forward to in the mornings.
Is there anything that you have been thinking of cutting out of your diet or life, but not got round to it yet, or do you need to think some more about it?
What do you think about FOMO? I would love to hear your thoughts.