JOY of Missing Out (JOMO) is the new tonic in the market. Imagine losing that fear of missing out and slowly embracing what brings joy to the self. The world is revolving, human traffic can be overwhelming and constant trends’ enticement can be exhausting. It’s time to jump off the rollercoaster and stay grounded.

Missing out on everything taking place around us is not a sign of isolation, laziness or, at worst, anti-social behaviour. It’s a conscious decision to create a sanctuary for one’s thoughts, mental growth and spiritual enhancement.

The emerging wokeness that breeds JOMO can be largely attributed to maturity. When one believes that they have done it all, been everywhere or ridden every trend, they would reach a point of lying back. It’s at this destination that they develop renewed energy to centre their interests, resources and time on themselves, and what brings them sanitised joy.

Also read: Eight easy ways to prioritising self-care

Some may see this renewed self-love as ageing or indifference, but in fact, it’s complacency at play. Turning down invitations or overlooking the latest fashion or tech trend becomes a norm, while preference can be slouching on the couch or staying in bed the whole day. Significantly, the turndown is accompanied by no regrets; instead a sense of fulfilment soaks in, and it grows, awaiting the next invitation or attraction. Solitude becomes the magnet, tenderly pulling one closer with a promise of blissful fortress.

‘Not knowing’ becomes the sanctuary. Not knowing about everything happening or changing is one protective layer. It cushions one against all the flakiness, ingenuity, bitterness and negativity that comes with the winds of ‘what’s on’. Instead, knowing what one’s body and mind need becomes a priority. It’s a progressive obsession which yields long-lasting bliss, free from the anxiety of FOMO.

Dave Hackney, general manager at Anew Hotels & Resorts, says JOMO refers to a relatively positive belief that cutting off all social media and digital devices can be blissful.

Also read: VIDEO: These lifestyle trends can help you live a longer life

He says it’s not about self-isolation but rather establishing time to disconnect and recharge. “JOMO invites us to slow down, focus on what really matters and find joy in simplicity. Many destinations are now catering to this need to unplug, recharge and explore less crowded, off-the-beaten-track destinations.”

Dr Sara Nasserzadeh, a specialist in social psychology and intercultural fluency, touches on our endless pursuit of the ideal.
She says, “This constant striving, driven in part by the FOMO, leaves one feeling as though satisfaction is always just out of reach. We’re conditioned to chase, achieve, and measure ourselves against ever-changing perceived standards. We are constantly in the state of ‘becoming’. But what if we could shift our perspective and explore the concept of ‘arriving’ and discover the joy of missing out (JOMO).”

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