JOMO is not about missing out on what others are doing, it is about choosing to do what truly brings you joy, and to disconnect from all the clutter.
Life often feels like a constant race to keep up – in your career, your social life, even your dinner party conversations. If that describes your life, JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out) could well serve as a powerful antidote.
The concept of JOMO has been around a while, having gained popularity in an era of social media overload, where the constant stream of curated experiences can create a sense of inadequacy.
Instead of feeling pressured to keep up, JOMO encourages us to reject external pressures to conform and to prioritise our emotional wellbeing by achieving a healthier work-life balance, reducing burnout and promoting overall happiness.
Dave Hackney, General Manager of ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest Kokstad says JOMO refers to a relatively positive belief that cutting off all social media and digital devices can be blissful.
“It’s about enjoying the present without feeling anxious about missing out on attending an event, an activity or visiting a popular attraction while travelling. It’s about choosing to read a book instead of scrolling through endless social media updates, or enjoying a peaceful walk and drowning out the external pressures that force us to be always ‘on’.”
It’s not about self-isolation either. Rather, it’s about establishing time to disconnect and recharge. “JOMO invites us to slow down, focus on what really matters, and find joy in simplicity,” says Hackney “Many destinations are now catering to this need to unplug, recharge and explore less crowded,
off-the-beaten-track destinations.”
By missing out on the noise, guests can embrace a lifestyle that refreshes both body and mind. “For example,” says Hackney, “a forest setting offers a unique space that helps guests intentionally disconnect, embrace stillness and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.” The concept is called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku (the practice originated in Japan).
Dave suggests five ways to practise JOMO, inspired by his guests and their experiences:
- Stay in accommodation surrounded by nature
Choose semi-remote places located in forests, mountains, or near water, where the setting itself invites stillness and calmness. These peaceful environments naturally foster relaxation, helping you let go of distractions. - Prioritise slow itineraries
Instead of cramming activities into every moment of the day, embrace a slower pace. Choose destinations that encourage lingering, like sipping coffee on a veranda, taking in the view or strolling through quiet towns without a rigid schedule. - Engage in mindful activities
Pick experiences that focus on mindfulness, such as yoga retreats, foraging walks, calm resorts and hotels with an on-site spa – or craft classes such as pottery. These activities help to keep you grounded in the present moment while offering a gentle sense of accomplishment. - Digital-free zones
Look for accommodations that encourage a digital detox: those with No Wi-Fi zones or ‘Device-free’ policies in common areas, or common rooms that offer board games and have reading nooks. Use this opportunity to focus on face-to-face interactions, or simply enjoy just being offline. - Personalised stays
Stay at establishments that offer curated, intimate experiences, like stargazing evenings, private picnics, or chef-prepared meals tailored to your preferences. These special touches help you disconnect from the ordinary and make you enjoy the present.
JOMO is not about missing out on what others are doing, it is about choosing to do what truly brings you joy, and to disconnect from all the clutter. And, as many who have embraced this trend have discovered, those quiet moments might just be the most productive ones of them all.
