Your friends are planning a night out and it’s time to make the decision: Are you in or are you out? Join, and you’ll likely be tired or hungover the next day. Stay in, and you could find yourself regretting it. That’s right, FOMO. Thanks to social media, we know exactly what we’re missing out on at all times.
Our up-to-the-second newsfeeds can make us feel left out or dissatisfied by our own situation; but there’s a way to harness that same energy toward a positive emotion. Known as JOMO, the joy of missing out is finding near indulgent happiness in opting out of what everyone else is doing.
Whether you’re binging your favorite series, starting a new project, or dancing in your underwear, a night in can be relaxing, empowering, and even healing. In fact, mindful solitude is part of being well. So, go ahead. Do some yoga with a side of wine. Tell Netflix that yes, you are still watching. No one’s there to judge. Plus, there will always be another night out.
JOMO means acknowledging that other’s experiences don’t take away from your own. It’s great that your friends are singing your favorite song at karaoke (and uploading it for the world to see), but does that really beat belting it out in the privacy of a relaxing bubble bath? Your voice isn’t that good anyway. Think about it: No bathroom lines. No surge pricing. Just pure, unfiltered self-love.
So next time you’re on the fence about a night out, what will you decide? And how will that affect your tomorrow? Let’s find out.
FOMO vs. JOMO: A Side-by-Side Timeline
| Joining In | Missing Out |
| 8pm
Rush to get ready. Leave your work bag unpacked and your room a mess. |
8pm
Put your phone in another room and slip into your favorite sweats. |
| 10pm
Argue about which spot to go next and help your friend avoid regrettable texting. |
10pm
Pour a glass of wine, apply a face mask, and queue up your ultimate guilty pleasure. |
| 12am
Agree to stay out for “one more.” |
12am
Read one more chapter of your book, stretch out, and doze off. |
| 2am
Look around and realize you’re the last one of your friends left at the party. Order a $20 Uber home. |
2am
Enter your next stage of sleep as your mind and body rest, repair, and restore themselves. |
| 8am
Snooze your alarm. Vow to never drink again. |
8am
Wake up feeling fresh and energized. |
| 10am
Order a greasy breakfast sandwich, Gatorade, and if possible, your dignity. |
10am
Make a smoothie and hit the gym for spin class. |
| 12pm
Jolt awake from a nap you didn’t mean to take. Cancel any plans you had for the day. |
12pm
Check out that farmer’s market you’ve been meaning to go to. |
Of course, indulging in JOMO isn’t always the move. On the nights when you do choose to make an appearance, follow these tips to prevent a hangover so you can still make the most of your tomorrow.