'Festive FOMO' Set to Affect Nearly Ten Million Brits This Christmas

LONDON, December 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is heightened during the Christmas period for 20% of Brits, who suffer from FOMO more now, than other times of the year
• Brits cram 44% more social occasions into December compared with other times of the year
• One in five (18 per cent) worry about turning down social events throughout the year in case they miss out

As the hectic party period approaches, the nation is preparing for the onset of 'Festive FOMO'.  A recent study* reveals 'Fear of Missing Out' is set to affect almost ten million people during the festive season as Brits plan to attend as many as 170 million events per week in December alone**.

FOMO reaches its peak during the party season for one in five (20%), and the average Brit will rack up over 12 hours a week of socialising and cram a staggering 44 per cent more social events into December than other times of the year. Despite there being a seasonal outbreak of colds over most winters***, a third (30%) of Brits claim they won't let this affect their social diaries, suggesting they will stick to their plans even if they get sick.

The research, conducted by the makers of Day & Night Nurse, reveals Brits just cannot say no to festive fun. One in five (18 per cent) worry about turning down social events in case they miss out and the same number attend more than one event a night. Over two in five (43 per cent) of those juggle three events or more in just one evening during the height of the party season.

In the lead up to the busy festive period, Brits are taking necessary measures to ensure their health is in tip top condition and they can say 'yes' to everything, including staying in at least six days a week (20 per cent), taking up new diets (23 per cent) and hitting the gym more frequently (16 per cent). Over a quarter (27 per cent) are stocking up on sleep so they feel ready for the festivities. Two fifths, (40 per cent) are maintaining a healthy bank balance too, by saving their pennies to avoid experiencing Festive FOMO due to lack of funds.

To find out about the latest social happenings and avoid Festive FOMO, Brits are turning to friends (72 per cent), family (53 per cent) and Facebook (13 per cent) for recommendations on where to go.  43 per cent of Brits claim to be unable to try anywhere new without seeking out at least one recommendation first. As a result, over a quarter (26 per cent) base their social schedule on recommendations.

As well as seeking recommendations, over a third (35 per cent) enjoy it when people come to them for advice and nearly a fifth (18 per cent) admit the festive period is a good chance for them to be seen to be 'in the know' by their peers. As a result, 15 per cent of Brits have accepted social invites purely so they can be seen to be there and almost one in ten (8 per cent) have attended an event just so they can tag their location on social media.

Journalist and FOMO sufferer Gillian Orr explains: "Whether it's a gig by a cool new band, the latest hot restaurant opening, or a black tie party, I can't bear to miss out. Sometimes I find myself dashing around town to three or four different events, just to make sure I've made an appearance at them all.

"At Christmas, however, the invites seem to multiply. It can be tempting to chill out in the lead up to the festive season, but I just get angsty if I find myself at home in front of the TV. What if I'm missing out on something? And when the "most magical time of the year" finally arrives, the sheer number of party invites is overwhelming. But I'll still try and get to as many things as possible. As I said, I suffer from FOMO. Sure, it can be hectic, but it's also fun. And, if it ever gets too much, I just remember that Christmas comes but once a year."

Over the Christmas period, the nation is using the power of social media to show off their jam-packed diaries with over a fifth (21 per cent) of Brits admitting to ramping up the frequency of status updates and party pictures to coincide with their busier-than-normal social life. More than one in ten (14%) even admit they want their friends to think they're having fun based on their social media updates.

A spokesperson from Day & Night Nurse explains: "Flu season runs from December to March every year - how typical given FOMO is at it's all time peak at Christmas, with Brits more eager than ever to say yes to all social events. Cold and flu doesn't have to mean you turn down party invites this year, as Day & Night Nurse is on hand to help relieve the symptoms so you can get back into your dancing shoes. Then the only thing you have to worry about is how you're going to juggle all of your invites!"

To help Brits make the most of their social calendars and stay 'in the know', Day & Night Nurse has created the 'From Day To Night' book - a collection of hints, tips and 'must do' secrets for the social season from those in the know.  To find out more visit http://facebook.com/DayandNightNurse.

References

* OnePoll research that surveyed 1,500 UK adults, October 2013

** Based on 2013 ONS figures from August 2013 entitled 'Mid-2012 Population Estimates: Single year of age and sex for local authorities in the United Kingdom; estimated resident population', which estimates there are 50,180,800 (to the nearest 100) people aged 18 years old and over in the UK. This figure is multiplied by the average amount of events each person attends per week (3.54). (Source for 3.54 is OnePoll research above)

*** NHS Choices. Common cold. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coldcommon/pages/introduction.aspx [Accessed 06Dec13]

Day & Night Nurse is supporting the Treat Yourself Better campaign - a new campaign from Pharmacy Voice and the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) designed to take the pressure off the NHS by encouraging people to self-treat winter ailments such as coughs and colds rather than going to the GP and asking for antibiotics which are ineffective against cold and flu symptoms. The campaign is also supported by the Department of Health and Public Health England. More information on the Treat Yourself Better campaign can be found at: http://www.treatyourselfbetter.com

Day & Night Nurse offers a range of products specifically formulated for day and night so you can get around the clock relief from the symptoms of cold and flu. The Day & Night Nurse range is available at pharmacies or supermarkets with pharmacies within them. The range consists of:

Day Nurse Liquid (240 ml) RRP £5.53

Day Nurse Capsules (20) RRP £4.90

Night Nurse Liquid (160 ml) RRP £5.53

Night Nurse Capsules (10) RRP £3.72

Day & Night Nurse Capsules (24) RRP £5.32

Always read the label.