Last time I talked about FOMO, a worldwide known phenomenon of social concern over missing out. It is a sort of anxiety, which stems from the belief that others are thriving while we are not. It’s a fear of passing up experiences and opportunities. We better participate in all the events to not miss out, and we take unnecessary risks, just in case. But often, we don’t profit.
We are always surrounded by social media, which are acknowledged to be the main trigger. There, people are simply living their lives to the fullest, whereas you are not. You have to work. You would like to travel and go out, but you have neither the time nor the money to do so. But they don’t either. You compare yourself to something that doesn’t exist.
With FOMO, you have to change. You have to develop to experience. And, eventually, you have to become someone else. That’s certainly not what you want. You want to be yourself.
Then, there is the consumer’s culture. There is always something more and better on offer. And you must have it. But do you really? What if you reject it? And is it even possible?
Yes, it is! I’m now going to introduce you to JOMO, an acronym for the joy of missing out, the mindful antidote of FOMO. It comprises accepting the present as it is and being able to say no deliberately. It also tries always to see something to enjoy in every situation. Even if you don’t go for a crazy night out, you should be able to appreciate your stay at home. You can participate in the nesting trend when you actually relish staying in.
However, it takes practice to miss out willingly. It doesn’t happen overnight. So how should one do it?
Take action with intention.
JOMO doesn’t mean that you should be antisocial. It suggests that you should just pick wisely. You don’t have to participate in all the events in your city. Instead, choose what you think would be the most beneficial, and spend the rest of the free time on something else.
Whether it’s acquiring new skills and achieving your personal goals or spending the whole weekend in bed, you are permitted to live in the present. If you feel tired, take a break. If there is some good news, celebrate it with your friends. Be intentional with your time.
Schedule your activities and make priorities. Work and family don’t always have to be the priority. It can be your language class this day and coffee with friends the next day. Time should be spent wisely and purposefully.
Unfollow your biggest FOMO triggers and sign up for conservative media, which generate positive emotions. Or take a break from social media and information overload someday. Read a book, go to the movies, go for a walk, go camping, embrace yourself in the present.
JOMO in the interior design
Along with JOMO raises the awareness of what is around you. Therefore, if you decide to stay in, the place should be relaxing and cozy. The JOMO philosophy can reflect in the decorations.
Soft and natural colors, as well as wood, are suggested. Fabrics promote the desired warmth. It’s good to have a common area and your little corner, if possible. Plants around the house can also cheer you up.
You should be able to disconnect in the JOMO environment, no matter if it’s at home or the workplace. It can be carefully designed so social media wouldn’t tempt us, and we would be able to unplug.
Reducing dependency on technology helps to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Practicing JOMO, on the other hand, improves emotional and physical wellbeing. Just because life can move faster doesn’t mean that we should live it that way. We can now act both mindfully and delightfully, thanks to JOMO.
