What’s JOMO?: 5 Things to Help You Fight FOMO

We’ve all heard of FOMO, the fear of missing out. My FOMO is at its worst when I am scrolling through social media, because it makes me see all the things that my friends (and countless strangers) are doing, and all the things that I could be doing. Seeing the highlights of other people’s lives all the time leads to constant comparison, which ultimately is not the best for our confidence and mental health.

Introducing JOMO, the joy of missing out. I recently came across this term as an antidote to FOMO. It’s all about tuning out the buzz of the world and the ‘shoulds’, and enjoying what’s right in front of you.

Here are five ideas of activities that will help you cultivate the joy of being in the present, and boost your mental health in the process.

Get Your Hands Messy

We’ve all played with Play-doh as a child right? This is the grown up version of it. Pottery is a hands-on craft that invites you to slow down, grounding you in the present through touch and creativity. Unlike social media, which feeds off instant gratification, pottery requires patience and persistence, teaching you to embrace imperfections rather than seek constant approval.

Creating something from a lump of clay demands total focus, naturally guiding you into a state of mindfulness. Your hands press, mold, and shape, and your mind has to be right there – not drifting to what you could be doing but fully absorbed in what you are doing. This tactile experience not only relieves stress but gives a deep sense of accomplishment as you see your piece evolve.

The best part? Pottery doesn’t ask you to be perfect; it simply invites you to be present. Each unique creation becomes a reminder that joy isn’t always found in being “in the know” – sometimes, it’s about getting your hands messy and enjoying the art of letting go.

Color Your Way to Calm

If getting messy with some clay seems like a bit much, how about a little creative activity that requires no clean-up?

Adult coloring books started becoming popular in the 2010s, and I hope they never go away. Coloring may seem like a simple pastime, but it’s actually a powerful tool for cultivating presence and joy in our busy lives. It’s not just about art, but about the art of slowing down. By focusing on filling each shape with color, you create a small, meditative practice that anchors you in the present moment, leaving stress and to-do lists behind.

As you pick colors and follow patterns, your brain enters a relaxed, almost meditative state. This activity has been shown to reduce anxiety and elevate mood, as it’s both calming and creatively engaging. Unlike scrolling through endless notifications, coloring lets you switch off from technology, focus your mind, and engage in a hands-on task that brings real satisfaction. The results don’t need to be perfect; coloring is about the journey, not the outcome, which can be a relief in a world that often feels demanding and achievement-focused.

Each finished piece serves as a small reminder of the joy in focusing on one thing at a time. So grab some colors and let yourself enjoy the simple pleasure of just ‘being’ – your mind will thank you.

Piece by Piece: Being in the ‘Now’ with Puzzles

Puzzles are hard, but oddly satisfying. I think it’s in the act of turning around each piece, inspecting the colors and shapes, and putting them all together, even if they take a while.

When you’re working on a puzzle, your focus shifts from what’s happening around you to the details right in front of you. This single-minded concentration is a lot like meditation, as it helps quiet racing thoughts and brings a sense of calm.

Solving a puzzle is also incredibly satisfying; each piece you connect offers a mini-reward, releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. Research shows that working on puzzles can improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost problem-solving skills.

Unlike screen-based activities that encourage instant gratification, puzzles require sustained attention and allow you to unplug. They remind us that joy can be found in small achievements and in the slow, steady progress of working toward something, even if you don’t finish it in one go! So, the next time you feel the urge to scroll, try pulling out a puzzle instead; you might find that it’s the perfect way to recharge and reconnect.

Finding Peace in Every Green Moment

When you’re gardening, you’re fully absorbed in nurturing living things – planting seeds, watering, and watching growth happen at its own pace. This focus on the here and now helps keep your mind away from endless updates and the “shoulds” of the world.

Research shows that being in nature and working with plants can lower stress and improve mood. The repetitive tasks of gardening create a rhythm that calms the mind, letting you enjoy the moment without comparing it to someone else’s highlight reel. Plus, gardening rewards patience. Unlike instant feedback from a phone, you have to wait days, even weeks, to see results – what a refreshing break from the fast-paced digital world.

Gardening also brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Each new sprout reminds us that joy can be found in cultivating what’s right in front of us, rather than worrying about the greener grass on the other side.

Lost in a Book: Rediscover Joy Beyond the Screen

When you pick up a book, you step into a world separate from the screen, giving your mind a chance to reset and slow down. Unlike social media, which urges you to jump from post to post, reading asks for a steady, focused rhythm, pulling you deeper with every page.

Diving into a story lets you connect with characters and ideas, which gently shifts your focus from comparison to empathy. It’s a reminder that everyone, fictional or real, has ups and downs that aren’t always visible. This connection grounds you in something genuine, something that isn’t competing for likes or views.

Reading also allows you to be present, enjoying the experience without rushing. You’re not skimming a caption; you’re savoring each chapter. In a world that encourages constant “what’s next?” thinking, books invite us to settle into the here and now, enjoying moments just for what they are.

Finding Your JOMO Activity

By choosing to be present and engage in screen-free moments, we’re reclaiming a little peace and finding fulfillment in the here and now. These five are some of my favorites, but the possibilities are endless. What would be your JOMO activity of choice?