JOMO: How saying ‘no’ can help you recharge and reboot

Dictionary.com defines JOMO as “a feeling of contentment with one’s own pursuits and activities, without worry over the possibility of missing out on what others may be doing.”

While FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) has been making you feel left out for years, JOMO is here to totally flip the script and help you find contentment in opting out.

Let’s dive into why missing out can be the best thing ever!

1. Rediscovering those authentic moments
When you step back from the whirlwind of constant engagement, you create space to truly savour the most genuine, unfiltered moments in your life. Think about it, when was the last time you truly enjoyed a quiet evening with a good book or spent an afternoon baking just for fun? JOMO encourages you to fully embrace these simple pleasures without the nagging feeling that you should be somewhere else.

2. Looking after yourself
You know already that constantly staying plugged in can be mentally exhausting. JOMO offers a breath of fresh air, giving you full permission to switch off and recharge. It’s about recognising that your personal well-being always comes first. Can you imagine turning off your phone for a day and noticing how much lighter and freer you feel? It’s a small step but one that can have a significant impact on reducing anxiety and increasing your overall happiness.

3. Cultivating deeper connections
When you’re not distracted by the latest event or social media update, the truth is that you can focus on the relationships that truly matter. JOMO allows you to be more present with your loved ones, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections. Instead of scrolling through an endless feed on Instagram, you can have heart-to-heart conversations, share laughter, and create lasting memories. That’s got to be better for all of us, right?

4. Enhancing creativity and productivity
This one I know to be true from personal experience. Downtime is not just for relaxation, it’s also a fertile ground for creativity. By embracing JOMO, we give our minds the freedom to wander, dream, and innovate. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, diving into a creative project, or simply daydreaming of what might be, this unstructured time can lead to incredible bursts of inspiration and productivity.

5. Living life on your terms
JOMO is all about reclaiming your personal power and making choices that align with your values and desires. It’s about feeling confident enough to say “no” to what doesn’t serve you and “yes” to all that brings you joy. This shift enables you to prioritise what truly matters, rather than being swayed by external pressures.

Tips to embrace JOMO

Set boundaries: Allocate specific times to unplug from digital devices and social media. Use this time for activities that nurture your soul. Expect this to be hard but persist.

Mindful planning: Be more intentional about how you are spending your time. Choose activities that deeply resonate with you and bring genuine happiness and contentment.

Self-reflection: Regularly check in with yourself. Understand what you truly enjoy as well as what drains your energy; and adjust your commitments accordingly.

Practice gratitude: Focus on the positives of what you have and the experiences you’re currently enjoying, rather than what you might be missing out on. This can be a real game changer for so many of us.

Celebrate your choices: Remember, opting out is a very conscious decision to put yourself first, to prioritise your well-being. Acknowledge this and honour it and promise yourself then to repeat it often.

For those fellow introverts out there, I’ve discovered that embracing JOMO is not much so about shutting the world out but about creating a balanced and fulfilling life; one that feels far more in alignment with who we are and what we like to do.

It’s about living life on your terms, making very conscious choices that align with your true self and finding joy in the present moment. So, the next time you feel the pressure to be everywhere and do everything, take a deep breath and choose to do you. Your future self will thank you!

Niamh Ennis is a leading Transformation Coach & Business Mentor who through her private practice, programmes, workshops, and podcast supports women to achieve clarity, build confidence, and master the strategies needed to elevate in life and business.  She’s also the Lead Coach in The IMAGE Business Club. Find Niamh on niamhennis.com or @1niamhennis.