Watch Out, Anxiety and Depression. Pull up a Lawn Chair and Stop the FOMO [WRITING YOGA® PROMPT #2011]

Studies show having FOMO, aka Fear of Missing Out, can increase anxiety and depression.  The US surgeon general just released a report on how especially bad it is for kids. Social media, of course, is largely to blame.

No wonder; it seems like everyone on social media has the most fabulous clothes, hair, makeup and friends. They are wildly successful. And here you are just trying to get through the day. 

I keep this quote near my desk, "Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl Jung

What does that mean to you? To me, it's understanding that we have the inner capability to do our best work in the world. The light is within us. 

 This week, go within. Experience JOMO, the joy of missing out!  

WRITING YOGA® PROMPT #2011: Forget FOMO and Feel Fabulous 

LUMI SIT:  Find a Place You Love and Go Alone or With Someone You Love

You don't have to practice being mindful all on your own. But you also don't need your entire friend's group either. Find a mindfulness partner. This could be a friend or loved one but it should be someone who would enjoy sitting with you in silence. Take a lawn chair, beach chair or blanket and sit outdoors. 

When you have settled in, sit quietly for 5-10 minutes. Notice your breath, the wind and sounds of nature (or humans). There are no good or bad sounds. Just sit, relax and breathe. When you are done, write about how you feel and share with each other. 

LUMI WRITE: JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) 

Grab your notebook and write, "I am so happy to miss........(Name an event) because it gives me more time to................"  For example, I am so happy to miss the party I was not invited to, because it will give me more time with my family.  Write about the joy of missing out. 

LUMI MOVE: Get Introspective with a Child's Pose Flow

Any yoga pose that draws the body inward can be very nurturing and calming.  Child's pose, forward folds and seated forward bends can really help to ease anxiety. It can also help you remember who you really are so you can feel confident enough to kick away a depressive state of mind.   

Have a calm and joyful week! - Stef

*Please see a professional if you are experiencing severe depression and anxiety. The tools on this website are meant to stave off mild feelings and are in no way diagnostic or prescriptive. 

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