Goodbye FOMO, Hello JOMO!

I didn’t know the term FOMO until fairly recently, when a patient mentioned it to me in passing. Fear Of Missing Out.That uncomfortable, restless feeling we get when we see images of other people’s lives and suddenly wonder if we should be somewhere else, doing something else, or becoming someone else.

Like most people, I had experienced it myself—usually sparked by social media. And like many professionals, I had helped others work through those feelings without realizing there was an actual name for it. Once I learned the term, it became clear just how widespread and powerful FOMO really is.

In today’s hyperconnected world, FOMO has become a common psychological phenomenon. Social media, instant notifications, and the constant sharing of life’s highlights create the illusion that everyone else is having more fun, achieving more, or living a better life. But is that really true?

And more importantly—what if there was another way to relate to all of this?

What is FOMO?

FOMO is the anxiety or fear that others are experiencing something enjoyable, meaningful, or beneficial without you. It often shows up as a compulsive need to stay updated, attend events, say “yes” to everything, or keep scrolling—just in case something important happens without us.

Over time, FOMO can contribute to stress, dissatisfaction, decision fatigue, and even burnout, as we push ourselves to keep up with an unrealistic and externally driven standard of living.

Why FOMO Feels So Powerful?

Several factors fuel FOMO in modern life:

• Social media exposure – Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X show carefully curated highlight reels, not real life.

  
  

• Instant connectivity – Real-time updates mean we are constantly aware of what others are doing, even when we’re not involved.

  
  

• Perceived scarcity – Limited-time offers, exclusive events, and viral trends create urgency and pressure to act now.

  
  

• Comparison culture – Measuring ourselves against peers, colleagues, or influencers can quietly erode self-worth.

  
  

The result? A sense that we are always one step behind.

Enter JOMO: The Joy Of Missing Out

This is where JOMO comes in—and for many people, discovering this term feels like a deep exhale.

JOMO, the Joy Of Missing Out, is the intentional choice to step back, opt out, and fully enjoy where you are and what you’re doing—without guilt. It’s about finding peace and satisfaction in presence rather than constant participation.

JOMO doesn’t mean giving up on life, connection, or ambition. It means choosing alignment over comparison, depth over noise, and intention over pressure.

How to Shift from FOMO to JOMO

Moving away from FOMO isn’t about willpower—it’s about gently changing where you place your attention and value.

1. Practice Gratitude: Shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do. A simple gratitude practice can be incredibly grounding. Even writing down three things you are grateful for right now can calm your nervous system and change your emotional state.

2. Limit Social Media Consumption: Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison or inadequacy. Set time limits and take regular digital breaks. If you use social media for work, do what needs to be done—then log off. Scrolling is designed to pull you in; boundaries help you return to the real world.

3. Engage in Mindful Activities: Mindfulness, meditation, reading, movement, creative hobbies, or simply being present help counteract FOMO. These activities offer fulfillment without external validation and remind your brain that this moment is enough.

4. Prioritize What Truly Matters: Instead of saying “yes” by default, pause and ask whether something aligns with your values and growth. It’s easy to follow the crowd. It’s more nourishing to choose what genuinely supports your well-being.

5. Build Real Connections: Depth matters more than numbers. Meaningful relationships offer lasting satisfaction that no amount of likes can replace. There’s little comfort in online validation if you don’t have someone to sit with over coffee when you need to talk.

6. Redefine Success on Your Own Terms: Everyone’s path is different. Rather than measuring yourself against others, set personal goals and celebrate your progress—however small. When you see someone doing something you admire, let it inspire you, not diminish you. Their success is not proof that you’re behind; it’s evidence of what’s possible.

Choosing Presence Over Pressure

FOMO is a natural response to a digital, comparison-driven world—but it doesn’t have to dictate your happiness. By practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional connection, we move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance.

JOMO reminds us that we’re not missing out—we’re choosing. Choosing rest. Choosing depth. Choosing a life that aligns with our values rather than external expectations.

So, the next time FOMO creeps in, pause. Breathe. And remind yourself: you are exactly where you need to be.

Gaelle Chatenet, January 2026