What is JOMO?

JOMO stands for Joy of Missing Out. It’s the happy, uncomplicated feeling you get when you choose to skip out on something—not because you can’t, but because you’d rather do something else that feeds you. It’s the chill cousin of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and all about being okay with missing out, and even celebrating it.

Why does JOMO matter?

JOMO is more than a catchy phrase—it helps you:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety from trying to keep up with everything.
  • Boost mental wellbeing by focusing on what brings you true joy, like reading, resting, or spending quality time—not mindless scrolling.
  • Improve relationships and focus, since you’re more present with yourself and others, undistracted by social noise.

How is JOMO different from FOMO?

  • FOMO = the anxious pressure to join in or you’ll miss out or feel left behind.
  • JOMO = the peaceful joy of choosing not to join in and being okay with that.

Think of JOMO as saying a confident “No, thanks” and enjoying what you’re choosing instead, without guilt.

How can you embrace JOMO in real life?

  1. Turn off your phone or mute notifications when you want quiet time.
  2. Be selective with plans—choose what lights you up, not what’s expected.
  3. Pick an offline hobby like reading, journaling, walking—something that fills you up.
  4. Celebrate the little wins: a cancelled plan, a peaceful evening in, having “nothing to do”—those feel-good moments are all JOMO.

Can JOMO fit into your social life?

Absolutely! JOMO isn’t about going off-grid—it’s about:

  • Choosing what’s meaningful to you.
  • Not feeling guilty about skipping the rest.
  • Being present and fully engaged when you do show up.

That way, you spend your energy on things that really matter—quality over quantity.

Tips to turn JOMO into a habit

  • Schedule “you time” in your calendar (no social media, no expectations).
  • Start small: say no to one plan this week and notice how it feels.
  • Notice your moments of calm—a hot drink, fresh bedding, extra sleep? These are JOMO vibes!
  • Reflect on how you feel when you say no—do you feel more relaxed, content, or recharged?

Final word

JOMO is a mindset shift. It’s giving yourself permission to skip the noise and spend time where you’re happiest and most centered. And guess what? Missing out isn’t just okay—it can be joyful.

So next time your phone buzzes with a plan, ask: Is this something I really want? If not, go enjoy your moment. You deserve it.