JOMO & The Power Of DND
As humans, we've all felt the grip of FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—more times than we can count. It’s that gnawing anxiety that creeps in when we believe others are living out exciting experiences while we’re stuck on the sidelines. And thanks to social media, FOMO has only intensified, bombarding us with carefully curated snapshots of events, opportunities, and experiences that make us question whether we’re doing enough, achieving enough, or simply being enough.
We live in a world where sharing our lives online has become second nature, and knowing the intimate details of others' lives is just a scroll away. We see where our peers are dining, what concerts they’re attending, where they’re vacationing, their latest career moves, and even their new relationships—all in real time. With so much of life on display, privacy feels almost obsolete, and the constant stream of curated highlights only fuels the feeling that we’re missing out on something bigger, better, or more exciting. It’s near impossible not to be in a constant state of comparison and it’s extremely easy to lose sight of the fact that comparison is the thief of joy. I truly and deeply believe this to be true.
So, how do we break free from the comparison trap? How do we silence FOMO and find complete contentment in our own life? It’s not easy—but making that shift is both life-changing and deeply rewarding.
You have to intentionally rewrite the narrative—shifting from FOMO to JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. Shoutout to Dr. Will Cole, who (I believe) first coined the term. It’s about embracing the freedom, peace, and fulfillment that comes from focusing on what truly matters to you—not what looks exciting on someone else’s feed. Let go of the idea that the grass is greener elsewhere, and instead, trust that everything you need is already within you. And everything you desire? You can and will create it for yourself.
Some practical tips that you can do today to shift from FOMO to JOMO:
Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to slow down and be present with yourself. Whether that’s through meditation, journaling, breath work, walking – anything that gets you out of your head and into your body. The more present we are in our own bodies and lives, the less inclined we are to compare and to be in a state of wanting for things we don’t currently have.
Go on DND mode: God I love DND (do not disturb). You do not have to respond to everyone and everything the moment it pops up. You are in complete control of how you react and engage with the world around you. And trust me—most of the messages, emails, and notifications you receive are not urgent. How freeing it is to acknowledge a message, recognize that it can wait, and respond intentionally—on your time. Imagine the peace of being fully present with family and friends, finishing a workout uninterrupted, or savoring a meal without constant pings pulling you away. Prioritize what truly matters and needs your attention, and let the rest wait.
I highly recommend setting your phone to automatically enter Do Not Disturb (DND) during specific times to protect your personal space. For instance, I have mine set to DND from 8 PM to 8:30 AM, allowing me to fully focus on my evening and morning routines without distractions. During work hours, I customize my DND settings so that I only receive notifications from certain people and apps—ensuring I stay on top of what truly matters without being overwhelmed by unnecessary interruptions. This has changed my life!
Limit Social Media: The more content we consume, the more likely we are to compare and to feel lesser-than, especially if you follow lots of influencers and creators who seem to have it all. Spend less time watching other people live their lives and spend more time actually living your life and filling your own cup.
One of my favorite ways to reset is taking a full day off social media each week—usually Sundays. It’s incredible how much more present, productive, and fulfilled I feel when I eliminate mindless scrolling. The mental clarity, the energy shift—it’s a game changer.
Another rule I live by: Create more than you consume: If you have something valuable to share with the world, don’t just scroll—contribute. For me, that means creating health and wellness content like this, which brings me real joy. I make it a point to share something meaningful each week, not just for others but for myself.
Unfollow Those Who Make You Feel Less-Than: At the same time, I’m intentional about the content I do consume. I focus on following creators who inspire me and align with my values—whether it’s mindfulness, fitness, or nourishing recipes. Social media should add to your life, not drain it. So, ask yourself: Is what I’m consuming helping me grow? If not, it might be time to hit unfollow.
Say “No” To What Doesn’t Serve You: Just like you can unfollow accounts that make you feel less-than, you also have the power to say no to people, activities, and commitments that don’t bring you joy. While certain responsibilities—like work—are unavoidable, so much of how we spend our time is a choice.
Before saying yes to something, pause and ask yourself:
➡️ Do I genuinely want to do this?
➡️ Does this align with my values?
➡️ Will this bring me joy or fulfillment?If the answer is no, why would you say yes? Protect your time and energy—they are just as valuable as anything else you invest in.
Let Go Of People-Pleasing: I believe much of the pressure we feel to say yes to everyone, respond immediately, and always be available comes from a deep-rooted desire to please others and to be liked by everyone. At least, that’s been true for me. As soon as you let that pressure go, you’ll feel an incredible sense of peace. Trust me—your nervous system will thank you. When you stop people-pleasing and start prioritizing yourself, you’ll find a deeper sense of calm and happiness that you never knew was possible. And I know this is much easier said than done – it’s something I constantly have to remind myself!
Ultimately, shifting from FOMO to JOMO is about more than just saying “no” to distractions or dialing back on social media (though those are important steps). It’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and inner peace. When you stop comparing yourself to others and start prioritizing what truly matters to you, you'll unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment. Remember, you have full control over how you spend your time and where you channel your energy. By setting healthy boundaries, embracing intentional choices, and focusing on what brings you real joy, you can free yourself from the chains of comparison and live an authentically fulfilling life. And before you know it, you'll find yourself at peace with where you’re at, no longer bothered by what someone else is posting on Instagram or feeling envious of their highlight reel.
All my love,
Rach
