FOMO, also known as the “Fear Of Missing Out”, has been surfacing everywhere since sometime last year. Oxford dictionary defines FOMO as, “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.” This can be a huge problem in people’s lives as they are constantly checking social media and are disappointed when they see others having fun while they are sitting at home.
However, there is a new acronym that seems to be coming out of the shadows in response to FOMO, it is known as JOMO, or the “Joy Of Missing Out”. Everyone needs alone time in their life to reconnect and ground yourself. JOMO is about saying “no” to going out, turning off your phone and focusing on yourself.
“We can get caught up in life, and it takes its toll on our wellbeing. The concept of JOMO counteracts all of that, it puts you back in control. It could be anything that you enjoy, but it must be for you, and nobody else,” The Happiful Magazine said.
Here are a few helpful ways you can start to integrate JOMO into your life:
Unplug.
Many people do not realize how much they are on their phone looking for things to do, and it can start to form a kind of an addiction. By disconnecting yourself from social media for an hour or two, you can really start to focus on yourself rather than the need to check your phone.
Have a “you” day.
I have been doing something to try and embrace JOMO a little more into my life by setting aside one day a week where I do the things that I am usually too busy to do. I put on a facemask, read a book, drink some tea and just relax without feeling bothered by what other people are doing. I usually wake up the next morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on my day.
Go on a “date” with yourself.
Doing things alone can seem a little intimidating, but once you do them, you start to feel genuinely good about yourself. It could be going to a new movie that you wanted to see or going out to eat at your favorite restaurant. If you think it might be weird or awkward not talking to anyone, you could bring a book to distract yourself. Going on these adventures with yourself can be very beneficial: you don’t have to come up with nonsense small talk, and you can choose wherever you want to go without the opinions of others.
Meditate.
Meditation is another way of grounding yourself and not being bothered with others – its sole focus is you. Some science-based benefits of meditation are that it can reduce stress, control anxiety, enhance self-awareness, generate kindness and improve your sleep. Another bonus to meditation is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, whenever you feel that you need it.
Experiment.
You won’t know what feels right to you unless you experiment with different types of activities for yourself. Whether it be a 15-minute walk to destress or going and sitting at the bar for a night, there are multiple ways to experience and enjoy JOMO.
Instead of sitting in bed on a Friday night constantly checking your social media feed for things to do, you could try incorporating JOMO into your life. In the end, you will feel more fulfilled and confident in yourself.