Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO): What Is It And How To Implement It?
Have you had the feeling of being at home watching a movie, picking up your phone, logging into a social network, and when you see all the fun plans of the people you follow, you immediately feel like you’re wasting your time? This has a name and it is called “FOMO”. It is an Anglo-Saxon term whose acronym represents “Fear of Missing Out”. It translates as the fear of missing out. Therefore, Individuals who experience FOMO have a strange feeling of wasting their time when viewing photos or videos of people living a wonderful and almost unattainable life on different social media platforms.
Contrary to this, the term “JOMO” or “Joy of Missing Out” has recently emerged. That is, the pleasure of missing things. By experiencing JOMO, the feeling of losing time to enjoy your life disappears and rather, this philosophy allows the interpretations of photos or videos on social networks not to interfere with the person’s life. Furthermore, it opens the doors to prioritizing and investing time in things that really interest each person, without looking at others.
Taking a walk listening to music, playing the guitar alone at home, reading your favorite book series or going to the movies with friends are some examples of these plans that make you feel great but are not idyllic enough to publish them in the news. platforms. In short, JOMO seeks to reduce the use of social networks or at least reduce the need to constantly superficially show our lives, boyfriends, properties, bodies and perfect plans to stop comparing ourselves with the rest.
This reduces the uncontrollable insecurity that arises when comparing what others do or have. JOMO seeks to distance yourself from the false reality that most people display on their social networks and feel good about saying no to those plans that you don’t really want If you have identified with FOMO and would like to change that feeling for something similar to JOMO, you have come to the right place. In today’s article, we will analyze in depth this new philosophy known as Joy Of Missing Out or JOMO and how you can encourage it and incorporate it into your daily life.
We have become accustomed to being aware of the constant notifications that reach our electronic devices. Not only this, but it seems normal to us to be hooked on the countless publications that people upload about their lives. It is common to hear phrases around us from people comparing their lives with the unrealistic showcases that appear on social networks. JOMO is beneficial and important especially in those cases in which someone feels that they are dependent on the platforms and the supposedly idyllic lives that are exposed in them.
Following the JOMO philosophy reduces the levels of anxiety and stress generated by being busy and connected continuously. Our brain is in a state of alert and stimulation that is really exhausting. With JOMO, you can distance yourself and allow your head and body to rest, relieving anxiety symptoms. In other words, we need those moments of intimacy doing what we really love for our mental health.
Another interesting question that JOMO pursues is gratitude. The followers of this philosophy have realized that today by always looking for the latest and the best, we do not appreciate what we have in front of us. They consider that our society has lost the quality of being grateful for every positive detail we have in our daily lives By disappearing from social networks (which consume us so much), we can begin to work on gratitude and appreciation for what we already have.
Disadvantages of JOMO style
Each person is different, and as the saying goes, each teacher has their own book, we all have a different way of acting and thinking. There are people who prefer and feel comfortable in constant activity, surrounded by many people, and others who are more introverted and appreciate time alone. In sum, The JOMO philosophy has no disadvantage if it is something that works and is in line with your personality and gives you satisfaction
In this regard, it is important to highlight that the JOMO style cannot serve as an excuse to isolate oneself from academic, work or social responsibilities. It is important to find the balance between what you really like and maintain commitments and interpersonal relationships. In other words, a balance must be found between the FOMO and JOMO philosophies.
Below, we will talk about some ways to encourage the JOMO philosophy in your life:
1. Disconnect
It is evident that to promote JOMO the main thing is to distance and disconcert electronic devices. With this, we do not mean that you stop using them, rather, set limits and save moments in your day to be completely absent from the phone
2. Live in the moment
We are used to operating on autopilot and always thinking about what comes next. This is closely related to the worry of missing out or as we already know, FOMO. People who experience this sensation probably don’t know how to enjoy the moment and are always thinking about what they could be doing. As a tip, start meditating and take advantage of every second without FOMO taking control of your life.
3. Prioritize your preferences and interests
Analyze in depth what things really make you happy and what factors are important to you. Being constantly dazed by all the external inputs does not allow you to take the time necessary to clarify your preferences and interests. Reflect on which activities bring you some benefit and prioritize them Never leave them aside to put what others want to do first. After all, it is a form of self-love.
4. Learn to say no
Linked to the previous point, once you are clear about your priorities, you must learn to say no and above all, not blame yourself or be ashamed for it. If it is something that is difficult for you, start by thinking about the benefits that saying no has on your mental health. Remember that you have the right to not want to do certain things and the people around you must accept and respect you.
Those people who find it so difficult not to miss out on anything and FOMO significantly interferes with their life may need to seriously work on their self-esteem. The best way to encourage JOMO is by increasing your value and self-love
6. Take your time to reflect
It is important to have a space for introspection where you can think and draw conclusions about FOMO. People full of plans, surrounded by people, with a partner, with beautiful figures and with properties do not have to be happier nor does it mean that they are taking advantage of their lives in a better way than you. We recommend shifting your focus to yourself. Focus on yourself, your goals, your fears, your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Enjoy solitude
Being alone is a challenge for many of us. However, learning to be alone improves our self-love, self-esteem and, consequently, our interpersonal relationships. This happens because when we are alone, we have time to think, understand our emotions, know how to manage them, and as a consequence we develop the ability to understand the emotions of others, that is, empathy In this regard, boredom must be added. Loneliness often brings boredom and this is not a bad thing. Allow yourself to be bored from time to time and you will see the benefits it has on creativity and imagination.
8. Go to a professional
If you have identified with the FOMO lifestyle and therefore have the feeling that you are constantly missing things, it is time to ask a professional for help. Being obsessively aware of what is happening around you generates anxiety, depression, stress, and ultimately, has a detrimental impact on your mental health.
