We’ve all heard of FOMO—the Fear of Missing Out—that nagging feeling that others are experiencing more fun, fulfillment, or success than we are. But have you heard of its delightful opposite, JOMO? In this episode of the Women Work Wellbeing podcast, host Zoe Haydn Jones explores the concept of the Joy of Missing Out and how embracing it can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Whether you’re juggling a hectic schedule, dealing with health challenges like PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), or simply feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures to always be “on,” Zoe’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on self-care and personal boundaries. She delves into how saying “no” can be a powerful act of self-love and how listening to our own needs can improve our wellbeing.
By normalising the choice to opt out, Zoe encourages listeners to prioritise their own happiness and health over external expectations. Her candid sharing of personal experiences provides relatable examples of how embracing JOMO can make a significant difference in our lives.
Embracing the Joy of Missing Out
The pressure to always be engaged—socially, professionally, or online—can be overwhelming. In her insightful discussion, Zoe addresses the challenges and benefits of shifting from FOMO to JOMO:
- Listening to Your Body and Mind: Zoe emphasises the importance of tuning into what you truly need. Whether it’s declining a social event or taking time for yourself, acknowledging your needs is crucial. “We never, or very rarely, especially as women, really listen deeply to what we need.”
- Understanding Your Social Preferences: Not everyone thrives in the same social settings. Zoe encourages identifying what types of social interactions make you happy. Is it a small dinner with close friends or a big party? Recognising this can help you make choices that nourish rather than drain you.
- Setting Boundaries at Work: In professional settings, it’s easy to overcommit. Zoe suggests assessing your capacity before saying “yes” to additional tasks or meetings. While fulfilling job responsibilities is essential, overextending yourself isn’t beneficial in the long run.
- Planning Around Your Energy Levels: For those dealing with health issues like PMDD, planning your schedule around your energy levels can make a significant difference. Zoe shares how she now plans her weeks based on her mood cycles to prevent last-minute cancellations and reduce stress.
- Teaching the Next Generation: Zoe touches on the importance of educating children about contentment and resisting the urge to compare themselves to others. This early awareness can foster a healthier relationship with social pressures as they grow.
Zoe encourages listeners to identify activities that genuinely bring them joy—whether it’s a quiet night in with a good book, a lively karaoke session, or a cosy gathering with close friends. Knowing what you truly enjoy is essential for creating fulfilling social experiences. She emphasises that saying no without guilt to invitations that don’t align with your preferences or energy levels isn’t just acceptable—it’s necessary for your wellbeing.
Show Notes:
[00:00 – 03:00] Introduction to JOMO
- Zoe introduces the concept of JOMO and shares her personal experiences with PMDD.
- Discusses how health challenges have influenced her social choices.
[03:00 – 06:00] The Impact of FOMO
- Explores how FOMO affects us from a young age.
- Talks about societal pressures and the desire to fit in.
[06:00 – 09:00] Listening to Your Needs
- Emphasises the importance of self-awareness.
- Shares insights from her yoga classes on asking oneself, “What do I need?”
[09:00 – 12:00] Applying JOMO in Professional Life
- Discusses setting boundaries at work.
- Encourages saying no to non-essential commitments.
[12:00 – 15:00] Understanding Your Social Preferences
- Talks about identifying what social settings make you happy.
- Shares personal anecdotes about changing social desires with age.
[15:00 – 18:00] The Balance Between Alone Time and Socialising
- Warns against excessive isolation.
- Suggests maintaining a healthy balance for overall wellbeing.
[18:00 – 21:00] Innovative Ways to Socialise
- Shares stories of friends exploring new activities.
- Encourages listeners to try different forms of social engagement.
[21:00 – 24:00] Key Takeaways
- Recaps the importance of embracing JOMO.
- Encourages listeners to listen deeply to their intuition.
[24:00 – End] Closing Remarks
- Invites listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and join the Members Club.
- Teases upcoming content and thanks the audience for their support.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode Here
While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, Zoe’s message is a timely reminder that it’s okay—and even joyful—to miss out sometimes. By prioritising our own needs and embracing the Joy of Missing Out, we can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.
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