If you’re tired of always going with the trends, having one night out after the other during the weekend, and spending money that you don’t have, babe, it’s time to kick out the FOMO and step in the JOMO era – or as TikTok likes to call it, the Joy Of Missing Out era.
Unlike the FOMO era, where everything involves getting together with friends and not being caught dead missing out on any potential fun, JOMO is all about learning to be confident in alone time. It’s about reconnecting with your inner self and finding happiness in missing out.
It’s about not feeling left out or iced out when you decide to stay in on a Saturday night – even when all your best buds are at Usher’s or some once-in-a-lifetime concert/party. It’s about learning to embrace your own company, forming an unbreakable bond with your inner self, and saying goodbye to that feeling of always having to be engaged in social activities.
@dasiadoesit #stitch with @legitpat embrace jomo. The joy of missing out. #fyp #blackgirltiktok #jomo #growthmindset ♬ Richter: On The Nature Of Daylight – Orchestra Version – Baltic Sea Philharmonic & Kristjan Järvi
And there’s more. Keep scrolling down to discover why embracing the JOMO way of life can benefit your health in 2023 and how exactly to do it.
Why You Should Embrace The JOMO Way Of Life
There are numerous benefits to living in the JOMO era:
It Can Help Boost Creativity
Studies show that spending some time alone (intentionally allows for and fosters creative thinking and work. So, if you stay in, you might find yourself coming up with ideas for a new project or getting the inspiration you need for that home improvement project you’ve been working on for days. In short, spending time alone, resting, and relaxing is productive for you.
JOMO Can Help Increase Confidence
Spending time alone will for sure improve your relationship with yourself. You’ll get to learn to enjoy time alone with your thoughts.
You also build independence by taking sole responsibility for your enjoyment rather than depending on outward validation. You also gain confidence in your decision-making skills because you don’t have to rely on anyone else but you.
You Save Money
Do we even need to spell this out? Spending more time home alone equals spending less on cocktails and beer or whatever else your intoxicated self might be persuaded to splurge on or impulse buy.
Improved Emotional Regulation
Not giving into FOMO so you can enjoy your company can offer you space to process your emotions better without any external influencers. It might also help you work through some of the most challenging decisions without your friends’ involvement or unsolicited advice.
You might also adopt meditation and other positive mindfulness practices, which have been proven to boost emotional well-being.
How To Incorporate The JOMO Way Into Your Life
Now that you’ve decided to embrace your season of enjoying quiet time indoors, saving money, and catering to your well-being, here are some tips to ensure you stick to it:
Remember That No Is A Complete Sentence
If you don’t want to go, say no. You might feel guilty, but remember that your peace of mind is essential, and if your friends are your true friends, they’ll understand rather than mock you for it.
You also don’t have to make up some excuse for not showing up for a girl’s night out or attending the house party – get comfortable and confident in just saying, ‘Guys, I really appreciate it, but I simply can’t make it tonight. I need to spend some time on my own for a while.’
Loop In Your Friends
To fully embrace the JOMO way of life, you need to let your friends in on it – tell them your plans so they can be mindful of you when inviting you to night outs and events or even fill you in on the shenanigans they’ve been up to lately.
Inform them that you’re taking your self-care more seriously this season, and if they’re your true friends, they will respect and support you in whatever you need.
Stay Off The Socials
Another way to ensure you maximize your JOMO era is by keeping off social media. Research shows that Instagram, TikTok, and X increase feelings of loneliness and FOMO. So, to avoid this, make sure to stay away from triggering posts that might cause a backslide.
Make Plans For Self-Care Time
Now, spending time alone doesn’t mean you have to be in bed all weekend binge-watching all your favorite shows.
You can make engaging plans like trying out new recipes, doing a full-on Black Girl Everything Shower Routine, signing up for some Pilates classes, or just resting. It’s all up to you and how best you want to enjoy your time alone.
