Many of us quickly feel left out. Since social media makes it incredibly easy to post only the most carefully curated version of our lives, it’s no surprise that we feel like we’re constantly missing out on something bigger, better, and funnier when we see everyone’s highlight roles.

This particular feeling is so common these days that it deserves its own title: FOMO. The abbreviation for “fear of missing out” is widespread in our daily lexicon. As a functional medicine practitioner, I have seen firsthand how much stress and anxiety FOMO can cause, and how this increased stress response can trigger health problems and make symptoms worse.

I’ve also seen that during the pandemic, people took the chance to slow down without fear of missing out – because, well, there isn’t much to be missed. And they thrive!

I have long referred to my love of self-care and tranquility as JOMO: short for “Joy of Missing”. And now that the world is starting to open up again, many of my patients have voiced their fear of returning to a busy and stressful life. So I believe it is more important than ever to accept the antithesis of FOMO. For this very reason, it is time to give JOMO the recognition it deserves.

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