FEAR OF MISSING OUT?

CHOOSE ‘JOMO’ INSTEAD

Every weekend for the past month has been overscheduled with social events. The pressure to say “yes” is wearing on you, but at the same time, you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun after being cooped up for so long last year. You’re not alone: Studies show 40% of us report feeling the fear of missing out (or FOMO) during the summer, a feeling that’s only heightened because we are able to get together again.

Simply swap FOMO for JOMO, or the “joy of missing out.” “Taking an opposite action is part of a mindfulness strategy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), proven to help defuse negative thinking and end emotional dwelling,” explains Jackman. For example, when you feel regret, switch to gratitude by telling yourself, If I hadn’t skipped that event, I never would have discovered that beautiful walking path. By swapping perspectives, you’re reminding yourself just how much control you have in your life.