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 mobile, entering a social network and Seeing all the funny plans of the people you follow immediately makes you feel like you're losing your mind. time? This has a name and it is called “FOMO”. It is an Anglo-Saxon term that its initials represent “Fear of Missing Out”. It translates as the fear of missing things. Therefore, Individuals experiencing FOMO have a strange feeling of wasting their time looking at photos or videos of people living a wonderful and almost unattainable life. on different social media platforms.
As 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 enjoying your life disappears and rather, this philosophy allows that the interpretations of the photos or videos of the social networks do not interfere in the life of the person. In addition, it opens the doors to prioritize and invest time in things that really interest each one, without looking at others.
Going for a walk listening to music, playing the guitar alone at home, reading the saga of your favorite book or going to the movies with friends are some of the Examples of these plans that make you feel great but aren't idyllic enough to post on the platforms. In short, JOMO seeks to reduce the use of social networks or at least reduce the need to teach constantly superficially superficial our lives, boyfriends, properties, bodies and perfect plans to stop comparing ourselves with the rest.
This reduces the uncontrollable insecurity that is born 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 felt identified with FOMO and would like to change that feeling to something similar to JOMO, you have come to the right place. In today's article, we will take an in-depth look at this new philosophy known as Joy Of Missing Out or JOMO and how you can promote it and incorporate it into your daily life.
- We recommend you read: "FoMO: being hooked on the networks for fear of missing something"
Why is JOMO beneficial?
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 innumerable publications that people upload about their lives. It is common to hear around us phrases from people comparing their lives with the unreal shop windows that appear on social networks. The 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 constantly busy and connected. Our brain is in a state of alertness and stimulation that is really exhausting. With JOMO, it is possible to take distance and allow the head and body to rest, relieving the anxious symptoms. In other words, we need those moments of intimacy doing what we really love for our mental health.
Another interesting issue that the JOMO pursues is gratitude. The followers of this philosophy have realized that nowadays, 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 that 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 the JOMO style
Each person is different, and as the saying goes, each teacher has his booklet, we all have a different way of acting and thinking. There are people who prefer and feel comfortable in a 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 fits your personality and gives you satisfaction.
In this regard, it is important to note 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 maintaining commitments and interpersonal relationships. In other words, the balance must be found between the FOMO and JOMO philosophies.
How to implement the JOMO style to your life?
Next, we will talk about some ways to promote the JOMO philosophy in your life:
1. Disconnect
It is evident that to promote JOMO the main thing is to distance yourself from and bewilder 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 the moment
We are used to working on autopilot and always thinking about what comes next. This is closely related to the worry of missing something or as we already know, FOMO. People who experience this feeling probably do not know how to enjoy the moment and are always thinking about what they could be doing. As advice, start meditating and seize every second without FOMO taking control of your life.
3. Prioritize your preferences and interests
Analyze in depth what are the things that really make you happy and what factors are important to you. Being constantly stunned by all the external inputs prevents you from taking the time to clarify your preferences and interests. Reflect on which activities bring you some benefit and prioritize them. Never put them aside for putting 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 of it. If it is something that is difficult for you, start by thinking about the benefits of saying no on your mental health. Remember that you have the right not to want to do certain things and the people around you must accept and respect you.
5. improve your self esteem
For those of you who are weighing so heavily on missing out and FOMO is significantly interfering with your life, you may need to seriously work on your 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 precious figures and with properties do not have to be happier nor does it mean that they are taking advantage of their life in a better way way that you We recommend you change your focus of attention to yourself. Focus on you, on your goals, your fears, your strengths and weaknesses.
7. enjoy the solitude
Being alone is a challenge for many of us. However, learning to be alone improves our self-esteem, self-esteem, and consequently, our interpersonal relationships. This happens because when we are alone, we have time to think, understand our emotions, know manage them, and as a consequence we develop the ability to understand the emotions of others, it is say empathy. In this regard, we must add boredom. Loneliness often brings boredom and this is not bad. Allow yourself to get 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 felt 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.