Ever feel that pressure to be everywhere, do everything, and stay in the loop 24/7? That’s FOMO—the fear of missing out. It keeps us scrolling, saying yes when we’d rather say no, and worrying that life is happening without us.
But here’s the thing: constantly chasing what we might be missing is exhausting. The good news is, there’s another way to live. It’s called JOMO, the joy of missing out. JOMO embraces slowing down, tuning out the noise, and finding happiness in the here and now. It helps us realize that we’re not actually missing anything that matters.
Shifting from FOMO to JOMO doesn’t mean cutting ourselves off from the world. Instead, it means being intentional. Living this way helps us focus on what really matters and let go of the rest. It’s freeing, peaceful, and, honestly, a lot more fun than constantly worrying about what everyone else is doing.
Let’s talk about how to make the shift together.
The Fear That Steals Your Peace
So, what exactly is FOMO, and why can’t we look away? At its core, FOMO is that nagging feeling that everyone else is out there living their best life while we’re stuck on the sidelines. It’s the urge to keep up with every event, every trend, and every moment that seems to be happening without us.
For instance, when we scroll through highlight reels on social media and see friends at parties or on vacations, our own lives can feel dull in comparison. But here’s the thing: FOMO goes beyond wanting to be included; it taps into deeper psychological triggers.
Recent research shows that FOMO is associated with negative emotions like anxiety and depression. This fear can lead us to say yes to things we don’t really want to do just to avoid feeling left out. In the end, FOMO steals our peace and keeps us stuck in a cycle of comparison.
Finding the Joy in Letting Go
JOMO is the sweet relief of saying, “No thanks, I’m good,” to things that don’t truly resonate with us. Unlike FOMO, which keeps us stuck in a cycle of anxiety and comparison, JOMO brings peace. It reminds us that we don’t have to chase every invite, every trend, or every update to live a fulfilling life. While FOMO feeds on urgency and comparison, JOMO invites us to celebrate our own choices.
The essence of JOMO lies in intentionality. Instead of scrambling to keep up, we learn to embrace the quiet moments—the ones without notifications or the need to prove anything.
Here’s what makes JOMO even better: when we let go of the pressure to keep up with everyone else, we create space for what truly matters—rest, genuine connections, and the moments that actually bring us joy.
And the best part? Once we stop chasing everything, we realize we were never really missing out at all.
Do You Have a Case of FOMO Fatigue?
If it always feels like something exciting is happening without you, that’s FOMO sneaking in. And if we’re not careful, it can drain our happiness without us even realizing it.
One of the biggest red flags is mindless scrolling. If we’re glued to our screens, constantly refreshing feeds, and comparing our lives to someone else’s highlight reel, FOMO might be running the show. Living like this is exhausting, and honestly, it never actually satisfies.
Then there’s overcommitting—saying yes to things we don’t actually want to do just because the thought of missing out feels worse. The result? Burnout, stress, and barely any time for what truly makes us happy.
FOMO fatigue can also take a toll on our bodies. For example, that tight feeling in our stomachs when we see others out having fun can be a sign. Checking social media late into the night can lead to sleep disturbances, which can leave us feeling drained the next day.
And let’s not forget the emotional toll—feeling sad, lonely, or envious when we see others having fun without us can weigh heavily on our hearts. In a nutshell, FOMO fatigue can leave us feeling drained and disconnected from our own lives. But recognizing the signs can help us break free and make space for real joy.
The Roadmap to JOMO Bliss
1. Pause and Reflect
The first step to JOMO bliss is mindfulness. This means taking a moment daily (if possible) to check in and ground ourselves in the present. As we reflect, we can ask: What truly makes me happy? What do I want to prioritize? This awareness can help us recognize when FOMO is creeping in and gives us the clarity to make better choices.
2. Curate Your Feed, Curate Your Life
Next, it’s time for a digital detox. Our social media feeds can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Every now and then, take a moment to clean up your feed. Unfollow accounts that trigger FOMO and fill your space with content that aligns with your values. When we curate our digital space, we create space to live in a way that truly supports our subjective well-being.
3. Prioritize Your Yes
It’s essential to commit to what aligns with our values. Instead of saying yes out of obligation, let’s choose activities and events that truly resonate with us. When we prioritize our “yes,” we create more time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment.
4. Master the Art of Graceful Declines
Saying “no” doesn’t have to feel awkward or make us feel guilty. It’s okay to turn down invitations that don’t align with us. A simple, grateful response keeps it graceful while honoring our needs. The more we say “no” with confidence, the more space we create for more meaningful moments.
5. Rediscover Solitude’s Magic
Solitude isn’t loneliness. Instead, it allows us to reconnect with ourselves. Embrace alone time and use it to recharge. Try reading, journaling, or just sitting in silence to help rediscover the magic of being by yourself. The more we cherish our own company, the less we feel the need to constantly seek out others.
Living a JOMO-Infused Life
Embracing JOMO means celebrating what we gain when we let go. By saying no to the noise, we make room for clarity and deeper connections with ourselves and others. To infuse JOMO into our daily lives, start with small changes. Set boundaries with your time—turn off notifications, even if it’s just for a few hours each day.
Set aside time each week for a solo activity that brings you joy, not just the ones that keep you busy. Limit your social media use to a specific time each day to reduce distractions and anxiety. And remember to prioritize quality over quantity in your relationships.
Embrace JOMO and Reclaim Your Peace
Making the shift from FOMO to JOMO is a journey that helps us reclaim our peace and joy. By making small, mindful lifestyle changes, we can break free from comparison and live a life that truly reflects our values. So, take the first step today—choose joy, choose peace, and start living a life free from the pressure to keep up.
