JOMO
Written By: Marissa Halstead
Many people have heard of FOMO—the fear of missing out—but I want to bring another concept into consideration: JOMO, the joy of missing out. Maybe this is a common experience among introverts, as my sister-in-law lovingly claims, but I want to explore the deeper meaning of JOMO and how it can support your mental and emotional well-being. I’m not talking about neglecting relationships or isolating yourself. Rather, I’m talking about intentionally stepping away from the hustle and bustle of summer to care for yourself.
Our world is full of noise—literally and figuratively. Our phones are constantly buzzing. We check emails and social media throughout the day. Music is always playing. We are continually connected, or at least it seems that way. Below are a few ways you can incorporate JOMO into your routine and create a more restful, intentional summer.
Contentment
You can’t experience JOMO if you aren’t truly content. One of the best ways to grow in contentment is by cultivating gratitude for what you already have. In the age of social media, it’s natural to compare yourself to others, but comparison often fuels FOMO.
FOMO can create a deeper sense of anxiety, leaving you feeling restless or frantic. If you find yourself thinking, “If I don’t have _____, then I won’t be happy,” it may be time to establish healthier boundaries with social media. Try unplugging for a week and see what happens. My guess is that you’ll feel more content, and those constant thoughts of comparison will begin to fade.
Higher Self-Confidence
JOMO can also strengthen self-confidence by giving you back the time and energy needed to pursue your goals. If you spend excessive amounts of time scrolling through social media, you’re losing valuable time that could be invested elsewhere. Likewise, if FOMO leads you to say yes to every invitation or go out drinking with friends more often than you’d like, you may end up feeling sluggish, tired, and further from the goals you’ve set for yourself—whether that’s saving money, exercising regularly, or simply maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
When you’re not living according to your values or making progress toward your goals, your self-esteem often suffers. On the other hand, the more you choose to miss out on activities that don’t support your well-being, the less stressed and overwhelmed you’re likely to feel. Cultivate contentment, embrace JOMO, and you’ll naturally begin to feel more confident about the life you’re building.
Genuine Connection
Ultimately, the goal of JOMO is to help you become more connected to the relationships that truly matter. Life is built on relationships, and when it comes to meaningful connection, quality often matters more than quantity. JOMO isn’t about pulling away from the people and activities that fill you up. It’s about intentionally saying no to the things that leave you drained. If you want to go out, meet new people, and build new friendships, that’s wonderful. Just don’t make those decisions from a place of FOMO.
Be present. Go deep. Love people well—and don’t forget to extend that same care to yourself.
