JOMO stands for the 'Joy of Missing Out', and refers to the feeling of contentment that comes from disconnecting from the things in our life that don’t light us up. This could be social media, technology, get-togethers, and other obligations that society tells us we ‘should’ be doing.
When we take a break from the constant stimulation and demands of this fast-moving world it allows us to focus on our own needs and priorities.
This in turn, helps to strengthen our resilience and build wellbeing because we then have more capacity to deal with the challenges and stressors that are out of our control.
SWITCH OFF
Switching off will mean different things to different people, but the following three areas are common ones that people feel JOMO about.
- Technology:
Technology can be both a blessing and a curse, and many people feel a sense of relief or joy when they disconnect from their devices and spend time offline. This can include taking a digital detox on weekends, going laptop-less while on holiday, or simply limiting screen time in order to prioritise other activities or relationships. - Events and activities:
People may feel pressure to attend every social event or activity, but they may experience JOMO when they choose to skip an event or activity in order to focus on their own needs or recharge their batteries. - Work obligations:
Many people feel overworked or burnt out from their jobs, and they may feel a sense of joy or relief when they take a break or disconnect from work-related responsibilities such as networking events, breakfast catchups or weekend courses.
CONNECT MORE
JOMO can also help us to cultivate more meaningful connections with others, as it encourages us to be more present and engaged in the interactions that we have with the people who are important to us – our team members, professional networks, family members and/or our friendship circles.
This also helps to strengthen our resilience because when we have taken the time and energy to nurture good connections, these people will often become a source of support for us when we are faced with our adversities.
SELF-CARE
Last but not least, JOMO assists us to focus on our own self-care and wellbeing because it becomes a powerful tool in helping us to set boundaries, reduce stress and prioritise rest and rejuvenation.
- Set boundaries:
JOMO involves making deliberate choices about where we want to direct our attention and energy. By setting boundaries around our time and commitments, we can prioritise self-care activities that help us recharge. - Reduce stress and overwhelm:
JOMO can help us reduce stress and overwhelm by giving us permission to disconnect from the constant stimulation of technology and social obligations. By taking a break from the pressure to be constantly connected and up-to-date on the latest news and trends, we can reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. - Prioritise rest and relaxation:
JOMO can help us prioritize rest and relaxation by giving us permission to say no to social events or activities that don't align with our values or goals. By taking the time to rest and recharge, we can improve our physical and mental health and build resilience to better cope with future challenges.
By intentionally choosing to disconnect from the pressure to constantly be on the go, we can cultivate a greater sense of well-being and build the resilience we need to thrive in life.
Overall, JOMO is a valuable tool for building resilience by helping us all to develop a sense of balance, connection, and self-care in our lives so we can continue to work and live to our fullest potential.
