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.
Time Key:
[0:00:00 – 0:05:00] Introduction to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the speaker’s personal experiences with PMDD
[0:05:00 – 0:10:00] Explanation of FOMO and how it can manifest, especially in younger people and around material desires
[0:10:00 – 0:13:00] The Importance of teaching children to be comfortable with what they have and not compare themselves to others
[0:13:00 – 0:18:00] Embracing the concept of Jomo (Joy of Missing Out) and the value of saying no when it feels right
[0:18:00 – 0:21:00] Finding your “happy social” place and doing more of what brings you joy
[0:21:00 – 0:26:00] Balancing social activities with necessary self-care and recovery time, and the difference between taking time out and retreating from the world
🎧 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.
JOIN THE FREE MEMBERS CLUB
Did you know we have a free members club for women? Free masterclass, free training and free yoga and mindfulness. There is no reason not to join – add your name to the list now. JOIN HERE
WORK WITH JOBS FOR WOMEN
Are you an HR leader, Talent Acquisition Specialist, or DEI champion? We are a jobs board and employer branding platform ready to help position your organisation as a leading inclusive employer. Contact us today.
Job ads start at £99 – the more job ads you purchase the lower the price per job ad. Email the team to discuss your requirements.
Join the Jobs for Women FREE membership