FOMO No Mo: How To Embrace The Joy of Missing Out
FOMO — the ‘fear of missing out’ — has no doubt been around much longer than the acronym. It has become much more prevalent, however, in our age of social media and constant connectivity. Have you stopped and wondered what all this fretting was doing to your mental health?
The good news is that people are starting to become aware of just how damaging this kind of social pressure can be. Long-term sufferers of FOMO can rejoice, and make way for the dawn of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out!
JOMO puts self-care and personal growth at the forefront of living. Perfect, you say! But maybe you still need some direction in making the leap from FOMO to JOMO? These books will be sure to set you on your way.
1. The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
The Power of No
- 9 min reading time
- audio version available
Many who have experienced FOMO know a major part of the problem lies in being unable to say ‘No.’ The Power of No teaches you how to do that, as well as guide you toward saying ‘yes’ to the things you want. By following the Altuchers’ advice, you will be able to live a happier life, filled with more enthusiasm and gratitude. Who knew that the word ‘No’ could be such a positive thing?
2. Unplug by Suze Yalof Schwartz
Unplug
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
If the word “meditation” has you picturing monks or hippies, then this book is for you. Schwartz shows us how meditative practice can fit into any life, no matter how busy. Engaging in these practices will make you feel calmer and more grounded. Unplug also makes the astute point that almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes—including you.
3. Flow by Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi
Flow
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
If you have ever found yourself fully immersed in an activity which made you neither anxious or bored, chances are you achieved a state of Flow. In his book, Czikszentmihalyi helps divert our attention from external rewards and opinions to instead focus on intrinsic ones. ‘Getting into the zone’ combines action and awareness to achieve a feeling of control. Engage with Flow to strive towards living an optimal life with clear goals and strong resolve.
4. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
Seems simple, doesn’t it? When you stop giving a f*ck, you spend more time and energy doing the things that bring you true happiness. Easier said than done, however, when people’s feelings are on the line. In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck, Knight teaches us how exactly how to do this. A necessity for anyone looking to embrace JOMO.
5. Walden, or Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau
Walden
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
Though Walden was written in the 19th century, its concepts are timeless. Thoreau believed that people sacrificing their life for work, money, and possessions weren’t getting the most they could out of their existence. Thus, he moved to the woods to learn more about human nature. Now, we aren’t suggesting you all up and become forest-dwellers, but the themes of cultivating simplicity and escaping modern society still run true today. We can all learn a little from Walden.
6. Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod
Ignore Everybody
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
To create is at the heart of human nature. In Ignore Everybody, MacLeod sets us on the path to better creativity. By nurturing our creative drive, and expressing ourselves honestly, we can all realize our dreams or projects—no matter how small. If you’ve had an idea at the back of your mind—but have had no time to work on it thanks to all those social events you weren’t really interested in—embrace JOMO, read Ignore Everybody, and get creating!
7. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
The Little Book of Hygge
- 10 min reading time
- audio version available
If you haven’t already heard of Hygge—the on-trend Danish way of living—then this is a good place to start. Hygge involves more than just ‘coziness’. There are many aspects to creating this homey sensation of contentment, including candlelight, togetherness, playfulness, and living the simple life. The best part is, everyone can achieve it. With Denmark continuously ranked one of the happiest nations in the world, they must be doing something right.
8. Sane New World by Ruby Wax
Sane New World
- 16 min reading time
If all this new-found time on your hands causes you to struggle to make sense of the negative thoughts in your head, Sane New World will help you explore why you feel the way we do. If you are interested in rewiring your neural connections to make yourself happier, are looking for some exercises to bring back focus, or for some answers to your emotions, look no further. The personable writing of Ruby Wax makes for a relatable and necessary read.
