What is fear of missing out? I always associated that term with the bubbling feeling inside my chest when I started feeling that everyone BUT me was out there having the time of their lives. In the middle of the night, scrolling through Instagram, the feelings of being “the only one left out” creeps in my mind and my body. “Fear of missing out” or in other terms FOMO is a relatively new term that was first introduced in 2004. It is used to describe a phenomenon related to social networking sites usage.

We all see those picture-perfect holiday moments on social media—the sparkling lights, the perfect meals, the beaming families. It’s easy to feel like you should be doing more, that your holiday should look like that too. But here’s the truth: chasing perfection is exhausting and—to be honest—unnecessary. When I think about it, does anyone actually remember the teeny tiny details of a perfectly set table, or do they remember the laughter and connection? Imperfection is part of what makes the moments we have memorable. Sometimes, the burnt cookies or the slightly crooked tree end up being the most cherished stories

Uncertainty can feel overwhelming, leaving us questioning the future and doubting ourselves. A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that uncertainty triggers stress responses in the brain similar to physical threats, making us crave control and stability. But life doesn’t come with a manual, and often, our plans are subject to forces beyond our control.

Winter follows and for some of us, the change of seasons triggers a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to Hopkins Medicine website, “It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.” SAD may be a hindrance in our daily lives and alters the way we think and feel.

Throughout our lives we go through different changes and emotions, consequently, some of these situations cause us to overthink. It’s as if our minds are overflowing with noise and these thoughts look for a way out, a way to spill over. We may end up desperately looking for peace of mind. There are many solutions for this common problem but for many people, the solution is: writing.