Psyche

Why having JOMO during the holidays is important

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:005231#31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331 13pm31pm-31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:0012Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2023312023Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +010045124512pmWednesday=9#!31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam12#12-13-2023#!31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:005231#/31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331#!31Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:45:52 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam12#

My friends and I look a lot alike. That might also be the reason we like each other so much. Yet there is one big difference between us: they almost die of FOMO if they can't be somewhere, I embrace JOMO as often as I can. This Joy of Missing Out has probably cost me a few nice memories, but it has also saved me many times from a mediocre evening where more money was spent than fun and where literally no one wrote home about. Take it from me that the greatest pleasure you can give yourself is sometimes simply skipping an event, especially during this busy period. Thanks to JOMO, you can survive the holidays without a scratch and ring in the new year without a Christmas burnout. Sounds pretty good, right? Here's how to approach it:

1. Practice saying ‘no’
Over the years, it has become my favorite word. Saying no is not always easy, but learning how to decline invitations without feeling guilty is an important first step. Also, remember that you don't have to justify yourself. A no is yours, and a yes you can get, but in your case, those ‘yeses’ are currently sold out, and that's perfectly fine. Real friends will understand that you are simply taking care of yourself by not saying yes to everything.

2. Stay away from social media
I experienced this just last weekend. Finally, I had a lovely quiet Sunday for myself, and yet I felt restless. Why? Because on Instagram it seemed like everyone had something to do except me. What was I doing on that couch? Shouldn't I also be doing something interesting? The answer: of course not, but social media are just not your best friend at times when you choose to stay home. So let that phone be.

3. Inform your friends
Tell friends and family why you embrace JOMO and why you won't be going everywhere this holiday season. Let them know that this is your moment of self-care and that they don't need to worry if you skip some events. This way, you avoid the awkwardness of having to decline everything in person, and the temptation to join in is much smaller.

Aside from the fact that you will absolutely enjoy more time for yourself, JOMO brings a flood of benefits. It stimulates creativity, reduces stress by limiting social interactions, improves the quality of friendships by being more selective, boosts self-confidence by building independence, and promotes emotional regulation by providing space for self-reflection without external influences. I've made up my mind: all I want for Christmas is me-time!

Source: Psychologytoday.com