By Julie-Ann Sherlock
Admit it. There have been times when you have looked at Insta and seen all the fun people are having at a concert, a party, or on holiday and you have felt sad. It’s not that you don’t want your friends to enjoy themselves. It’s just you feel like you are missing out.
In recent years the term FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) has become a big part of our vocab. Social media, instant communication, and a world that is much more easily accessible have all contributed to this feeling of missing out on something. But it’s not exactly a new thing.
As a teen, I remember feeling if I didn’t go out and meet my friends every weekend, I would miss out on something important. Of course, it was rare that anything amazing or important happened in my small, Irish rural town! Still, if I was at home, I would be wishing I was elsewhere.
As an adult, I have realised that while it was great partying with my friends or just hanging out, there is a lot to be said for being at home or doing your own thing and, essentially, missing out on some of the fun. And sometimes the drama.
I have learned to find JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out). Let me explain.
What Is JOMO?
What if we flipped the script on FOMO? What if we prioritised self-care and well-being over constant hustle and external validation?
That’s JOMO. It’s about finding joy in saying no to things that don’t serve us and instead focusing on activities that recharge our batteries and bring us genuine happiness. It is not selfish to do this. It is essential.
Self-care is a vital component of JOMO. It means taking intentional time for ourselves through meditation, exercise, reading a good book, or indulging in our favourite hobbies. It’s about nurturing our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The old saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup rings true. If we want to participate in society to our fullest, we need to be fighting fit.
I still love to socialise. I love to travel and explore too. But I book a date with myself at least one day a week to not interact with others or leave my apartment. This is my JOMO day. A day of self-care.
I may do some household tasks like laundry or cook a nice meal for myself, but I also make lots of time to read or just be. It helps me recharge my batteries, ready for my busy social life.
Beating FOMO
But that nagging fear that something exciting is happening while we sit at home in our PJs eating ice cream and reading the latest thriller can still be there. Then we must learn to outsmart our FOMO triggers and embrace the joy of missing out.
FOMO can make us feel anxious, stressed, and constantly seeking validation through experiences or events. But JOMO allows us to step back, prioritise our well-being, and find contentment in the present moment.
So how can we escape the FOMO triggers? It starts with being mindful of what truly brings us joy and fulfilment. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds or saying yes to every invitation, we should choose activities that align with our values and bring genuine happiness.
By restricting social media time or even deleting it from your phone for the day, you can reduce the temptations of scrolling and focus on what makes you happy. That could mean taking a hike up a mountain or going for a swim. Perhaps it’s giving yourself a pamper day with face and hair masks and a mani-pedi. It could even be a Netflix marathon while eating carrot sticks. Lean into an activity that is productive in inducing joy.
In other words, Maria Kondo your social life.
The Benefits Of JOMO
When we set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary, we create space for ourselves to recharge and focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies that bring us joy, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime and being in the moment—JOMO allows us to find balance in our lives. It can also help us become more creative, reduce stress and promote better sleep.
Slowing down a little can help us know when to prioritise our well-being and recognise when we need a break. How that looks is up to you. Self-care looks different for everyone—it’s all about finding what brings YOU peace and happiness.
Next time you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to always be doing something or being somewhere, try to embrace JOMO. Find happiness in missing out on things that don’t align with who you are or what truly brings you joy. Hit pause on the chaos around you and focus on nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Your well-being deserves your attention.