Are you experience a massive case of FOMO in pregnancy?
I know I was!
When my family and friends came to visit me all the way from the USA to my tiny flat in England this summer, the warm evenings were filled with nights out and celebrations
Although, the one thing I hadn’t anticipated soon became an unwanted presence in my life:
the uncomfortable feeling of FOMO.
Being a youngish mother ( 23 at the time) with cousins, friends and a sibling around my age it was difficult not being able to join in for late night drinks and adventures.
Instead my evening adventures was a bunch of snacks in pajamas by 11:00pm.
So, it’s easy to see that FOMO ( mixed with the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy) was a much unwelcome guest in my mind.
This wasn’t the first time FOMO had welcomed itself in my pregnancy…
From Easter, weddings, and summer celebrations it was quite common I would hear “ I can’t wait until you’re able to go out again!
If this sounds all too familiar it’s common that FOMO has you feeling isolated, emotional and maybe even a bit resentful
. Which is no way you want to feel anytime, especially during the transformational journey of pregnancy.
Here are the best ways you can manage FOMO during pregnancy!
1. THE HEALING POWER OF BIRTH ART
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother never. A mother is something absolutely new.
Osho
Create an image that will help your body relax, open, and bring your baby into the world.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist ( I for sure can barely draw stick figures) experimenting with “birth art” is at least something new to try that might offer several benefits to your mental health!
THE BENEFITS:
- Integrate the birth experience
- Identify thoughts and feelings surrounding birth.
- Communicates story in a different & creative way.
- Creative outlet to express any fears, beliefs, emotions, or memories
Ideas for questions to reflect on when curating an image:
- What has being pregnant been like for you?
- What does your ideal birth look like?
- How do you see yourself as pregnant woman?
Need more inspiration? Google images and even Etsy have beautiful depictions of birth art to get you in the creative mindset!
2. ANOTHER WAY TO BEAT FOMO IN PREGAGNCY IS ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS…
Bobby Mook’s fascinating TedTalk urged us to stop asking how can we overcome FOMO and instead asking yourself : what is this fear telling me?
Is it the fear of being alone, being forgotten?
It’s not missing out on the event itself that always upsets us, it’s the stories we tell ourselves about what it means when we don’t attend something.
It isn’t about becoming fearless, but instead exploring how can we surrender to them?
3. COMMUNITY
One of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies ever done, the Harvard Grant Study, reveals the key to being happy are connection and accomplishment.
Having a community of like minded women who understand everything you’re going through can be so impactful on boosting joy, serenity and a sense of belonging.
What has your experience with FOMO been during pregnancy? Let me know in the comments below!