Sure, you’ve probably scrolled through a few FOMO hashtags on social media. FOMO, recently added to Webster Dictionary, is defined as “fear of missing out: fear of not being included in something (such as an interesting or enjoyable activity) that others are experiencing.”
Well, meet JOMO, the self-assured, well-adjusted, generally more content cousin to FOMO.
JOMO, or joy of missing out, is the opposite of FOMO. It’s the light and easy feeling you get when you’re completely alright with missing out. Here are six ways you can practice JOMO every day:
1. Schedule A Day Date With Yourself
Sherry Turkle, a researcher and founder of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self writes in her book, Alone Together, “You end up isolated if you don’t cultivate the capacity for solitude, the ability to be separate, to gather yourself. Solitude is where you find yourself so that you can reach out to other people and form real attachments.”
It’s refreshing and emboldening to be alone with your own company and realize how much you really like yourself.
Maybe a full dinner out feels like too much. Schedule a fun daytime activity that you enjoy. Check out that museum you’ve been curious about, treat yourself to a pedicure, or a new boutique fitness class. Still stuck on solo date ideas? Here are a few:
- Spend the day at the spa getting pampered.
- Hit a local farmer’s market and pick up ingredients for a delicious home-cooked lunch.
- Try out a DIY project.
- Take a day trip to a new place.
- Spread out a blanket in the local park and people watch or cloud gaze.
2. Stop The Scroll
Yes, tech is awesome. In fact, you’re probably reading this article on a device. But, like with most things, tech needs balance.
If you’re a newbie at digital detoxing, start by carving out a full hour when you are totally tech-free. No, sleeping doesn’t count. If you’re more of a pro, then opt out for an entire day or even a weekend.
Our social media feed is an endless account of everything happening around us in real time and the steady stream of alerts only add to our growing fear of missing out on something wonderful. Taking breaks from these platforms is necessary to find some joy in the here and now.
At least take the time to unplug before bedtime. In fact, leave your phone in an entirely different room. Did you know that 71% of Americans not getting enough quality sleep? The blue light and Leave your phone in another room during bedtime.
According to a 2017 study, the average person will spend five years and four months scrolling through social media in a lifetime. That’s a lot.
A brief hiatus from Instagram means less opportunity to compare your life to your friend’s vacation in Italy or sister’s cute new apartment.
3. Re-Prioritize
“Treat yo self” and “If it feels good, then go for it” can be privileged advice. Sure, it feels good to get weekly massages and blow an entire paycheck on a plane ticket, but not everyone has that opportunity. Plus, not everyone is into the same things.
Take a good, long look at what matters most to you on a daily basis, then make sure that you’re making time for those things.
Maybe staying in on a Friday night to take a warm bath and apply a face mask brings you joy because you know that by doing so you will have the energy for a Saturday morning spin class or breakfast with friends.
4. Say, “No Thanks”
It’s common for people to feel guilty when they turn down invites or say “hey, no thanks” to plans simply because they just don’t want to do something.
Are you one of those people? Well, here’s your permission slip: It’s absolutely okay to say “no”.
Knowing what your bigger goals are makes it easier to figure out what to say yes to and what to turn down. Check in with yourself before you commit to commit to something. When you stop doing things simply because the FOMO is overwhelming, you'll experience the joy of doing things that really make you feel good.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Play around to see what works for you. Introverts, it’s no big shock that alone time is something that you may really enjoy, but extroverts may have a tougher time.
If you aren’t sure about solitude, then start small. Try for a 30-minute solo lunch break sans technology or heading out for a short walk without your phone. The more you practice JOMO, the easier it will be to schedule time with just yourself.
6. Create A Self-Care Routine
After long days hustling at work, keeping up with a side gig, and maintaining a social life, sometimes staying in and totally tuning out the world is an absolute must.
Be it as simple as sipping a mug of tea and enjoying a good book before bed, self-care is more than a buzzword in the wellness community and popular hashtag on social media.
Carving out time for yourself is the best way to combat the craziness of day-to-day life and strike a healthy balance.
From FOMO to JOMO
It’s time to shift your perspective stressing and being anxious about missing out on what’s happening, to enjoying those moments alone. Use the six tips above to swap your FOMO for a little JOMO.