The fear of missing out (FOMO) is the social pressure to be at the right place with the right people, whether it’s from a sense of duty or just trying to get ahead, we feel obligated to attend certain events for work, for family and for friends. FOMO can wear us down and can decrease our happiness.
It’s time to flip FOMO into JOMO. To experience the joy of missing out (JOMO), consider following these guidelines.
- Be intentional with your time: Schedule things that are important to you whether it is working out, meeting someone for coffee or completing a work project. Make your time your priority instead of wasting time worrying about what other individuals are doing or thinking.
- Live in the present: If you are having a bad day, be easy on yourself and treat yourself to a relaxing evening. If you just received good news, then take a moment to embrace it and celebrate.
- Practice saying “No”: You do not always have to go to that event or take that phone call. Even if you want to help someone but feel it will have a negative impact on yourself, say “no”.
- Experience real life (not social media life): Unsubscribe from social media accounts and un-follow individuals who trigger your FOMO or cause you any type of negativity. Disconnect and do something you enjoy like cooking, spending time outdoors and spending time with your family.
- Slow down: Take a deep breath, think before you speak, embrace the quiet. Slowing down can increase our creativity.
“Oh the joy of missing out.
When the world begins to shout
And rush towards that shining thing;
The latest bit of mental bling –
Trying to have it, see it, do it,
You simply know you won’t go through it;
The anxious clamoring and need
This restless hungry thing to feed.
Instead, you feel the loveliness;
The pleasure of your emptiness.
You spurn the treasure on the shelf
In favor of your peaceful self;
Without regret, without a doubt.
Oh the joy of missing out”
— Michael Leunig
