72 per cent of Brits struggle with ‘FOGO’ or ‘fear of going out’

We’ve all heard of FOMO but new research from FREE NOW has revealed that 72 per cent of Brits are now struggling with ‘FOGO’ or ‘fear of going out’. The survey, commissioned by mobility super app, FREE NOW also revealed that more than a quarter (27 per cent) who have encountered ‘FOGO’ claim it has had a significant impact on their lives.

Looking more closely at the nature of this impact, a quarter (24 per cent) of Brits now hold back from making new friends, 60 per cent avoid public transport and 22 per cent miss out on socialising with colleagues now working from home has come to an end for many.

And while 78 per cent try to put on a ‘brave face’ to conceal worries about venturing out, 67 per cent admit to avoiding socialising. A significant majority, 68 per cent, say they have experienced more apprehension about going out since the pandemic and half (50 per cent) admit they are more concerned now restrictions have lifted. In particular, over half (58 per cent) feel more apprehensive now people no longer have to isolate following a positive test and 54 per cent feel uncomfortable with the lack of masks.

When it comes to tackling ‘FOGO’, 44 per cent make sure to take a few moments to compose themselves before going out, and 47 per cent say they practise mindfulness to combat the apprehension.

Nearly a third (29 per cent) also said they find listening to music can help with hesitations, 36 per cent find making a clear plan for their outing helps significantly and 18% find that travelling in a taxi provides them with the time they need to compose themselves.

FREE NOW’s research also revealed that Brits expect it will take an average of five months before people feel comfortable socialising like they did before the pandemic, with 57 per cent determined to make an effort to overcome these angsts.

To help passengers manage any worries they may have around leaving home, FREE NOW has teamed up with Chartered Psychologist and mindfulness expert, Dr. Meg Arroll, to share her tips on making the most of travelling time to manage any worries or apprehensions.

Dr. Meg Arroll says, “Life has been challenging these past two years, and now that restrictions have fully eased and the world is opening up again, we’re all getting ready to step out.

“But as we’ve had such an extensive period of uncertainty and anxiety, it’s not surprising that there still remains a sense of unease about going out – or FOGO, the fear of going out. However, there are many strategies that we can all use to calm these anxious thoughts, de-stress and enjoy social life once again.

Dr. Meg Arroll comments,”Try these three simple steps to keep you calm on your journey. These can all be easily completed in the back of a cab or on another mode of transport, whether you’ve got five minutes until arrival or a longer journey ahead.”

Rest and digest: Relax your mind and body by grounding yourself in the vehicle, place both feet flat on the floor and rest your back against the seat. With one hand on your chest and one on your belly, focus on regulating your breathing through deep three-second inhalations through the nose and out your mouth.

The three-five method: Using three of your senses – sight, sound and touch – identify five different elements of your surroundings. For example, what five things can you see (be it in or out of the car), what five things can you hear and what five textures can you feel. Pay close attention to your environment, taking deep breaths as you go, and notice how much calmer you feel afterwards.

Self projection: Envision yourself at your destination. Imagining your soon to be reality scenario can help you cognitively prepare – set yourself a script for your social interactions and start to see how you’d engage with others once you’ve arrived at your destination. Acknowledge your anxieties but nudge them to the back of your mind, focusing on your positive mental imagery.

Robert Fernadez, Director of Operations at FREE NOW says, “This research clearly shows how widespread concerns about COVID are and that this concern continues to inform choices of people in the UK.

As we thankfully move from living in a pandemic to learning how to live with COVID, it is important that we keep in mind, even with all restrictions lifted, that not everyone is ready to fully get back out there yet. This is an understandable and common response to what has been a difficult time for many and we need to recognise and respect that everyone is adjusting to this new normal at their own pace.”

“Our services take passengers to all kinds of different events in their cities, in a way that best suits them. Whether it’s to their first face to face business meeting or a large get-together in a pub. Anything we can do to make that experience easier is a win for us. This is why we have decided to work with Chartered Psychologist, Dr Meg Arroll, to help people arrive at their destinations more relaxed and ready to enjoy themselves.”