Before you run to visit the doctor to see you have contracted this disease, let me assure that it is nothing that a medical professional can diagnose, because it is not a disease. Rather it is some self-care that you can do for yourself,
Most of us have heard of FOMO – the Fear of Missing Out. This is where we try to be involved in everything – go to every birthday party (whether you like Aunt Susie or not), make every office special event, be present at every family gathering, and so on. Because you don’t want to miss out, you instead, wear yourself out. Perhaps then, you need to try JOMO.
JOMO is actually the opposite of FOMO because JOMO is the Joy of Missing Out. There can actually be pleasure in the Joy of Missing Out. Rather than attend a function out of obligation, you can prioritize what you want to do even if that means just chilling out. Often, when we are invited to a long-lost cousin’s birthday party, we feel guilty that we don’t want to go. However, we need to remind ourselves we need downtime for our own wellbeing. Getting needed rest reduce stress and leads to better decision making.
So, while there are times you don’t want to miss out, don’t be afraid at other times to enjoy the freedom offered by JOMO!