Less Scroll, More Self-Love: How to Overcome Valentine’s Day FOMO
February 13, 2024 | By Zenia R.
With all the couples and friend groups constantly posting on social media, being alone on Valentine’s Day can feel gloomy – but it doesn’t have to. As a teenager realizing how real FOMO (fear of missing out) is, I think it is very important to value alone time and learn to have fun by yourself. This FOMO often means that we are constantly chasing opportunities to hang out with friends so we don’t have to see people doing stuff without us on Instagram.
For me, it is often hard to get myself to do anything if I don’t have someone to do it with me, but the reality is, not only can you do things by yourself, but it can actually improve your mental health in the process. You can go on a walk by yourself. You can have the best time singing karaoke by yourself. You can visit a cute café by yourself. So this Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to have a date with yourself. Of course, this is easier said than done. Check out the tips below for some ideas.
Tips for Practicing Self-Love
⏳ Carve out time for yourself: Just as you would if you were with someone, do not schedule things during your date. If you have plans, you have plans.
💆 Choose an activity that centers self care: Only you know what is best for you, so spend time resetting yourself with your chosen activities. For example, go shopping: retail therapy is real.
🫶 Take yourself out: Visit somewhere you have always wanted to visit, like a café or a garden.
🛋 Have a cozy night in: Get comfy in your PJs, do your skin care, binge watch your favorite TV show, read your favorite book, order takeout.
✨ Go all out for yourself: Put up decorations, bake that Pinterest worthy cake, dress up, play your favorite music, and take as many pictures as you want. No one has to see it all for your fun to be valid. You can put work into your alone time just to make yourself feel good.
📵 Log off from social media: Sometimes we can get caught up watching what everyone else is doing on social media, emphasizing this feeling of FOMO. Try to detox and focus on what you are doing instead of what the people around you are doing.
These are just a few ideas and there are so many other cool things you could spend your time doing. I hope you are inspired to do something for yourself this Valentine’s Day (or really any day you are feeling lonely).
About the Author
Zenia R. (she/her) is a high school senior in the Bay Area who is passionate about addressing the increasing mental health hardships faced by today’s youth. She believes in social media’s potential to be a catalyst in improving mental wellbeing, despite its present unhealthy uses.
Additional Tools and Insights 📚
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in a Digital World: Learn insights and strategies for protecting your wellbeing while staying connected.
GoodforMEdia Guides and Tools: Explore a list of resources created by youth to help their peers and adult allies navigate the positive and negative aspects of social media.