Aussies embracing new 'JOMO' trend for better sleep: 'Reduces fatigue'
An expert explains why the next big travel trend is actually really good for your health.
There's a bit in John Mulaney's 2012 stand-up special New In Town where he talks about the joy of doing nothing. The comedian riffs that not doing things is so much easier than doing them and way more fun as well.
"In terms of, like, instant relief, cancelling plans is like heroin," he jokes. "It is an amazing feeling. Such instant joy."
He continues, "You ever ask an adult what they did over the weekend? And they say they didn't do anything, their faces light up."
Mulaney might have been ahead of his time because, fast forward over a decade, and the joy of not making plans has its own abbreviation and hundreds of videos dedicated to it on social media, amassing millions of views.
Introducing: JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out), where saying yes to everything, over-scheduling and neglecting self-care are so yesterday.
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Why do we want to 'miss out'?
"JOMO is a trend that has largely been fuelled by the rising awareness of personal self-care and mental health," Jaimie Bloch - Clinical Director and Founder at MindMovers Psychology - told Yahoo Lifestyle. "I do believe this has increased in popularity since COVID. During the pandemic, many people had to slow down and this led to a collective rethink of priorities.
"Many people felt a need and desire to embrace self-care and reenergising by going inward. It was a collective reframe on slowing down and pausing. I believe the experience of lockdowns and forced orders to stay home and focus on self has created this new movement."
JOMO has found particular traction on social media where creators showcase their quiet moments at home - a welcome departure from the tradition of flaunting their busy lives crammed full of glamorous events and VIP trips.
Interestingly, the tend has now made it's way into the world of travel as people look to escape from the chaos of life by seeking refuge in secluded spots and cosy homes. It's a direction Stayz has recently embraced, helping travellers to do less on holiday in order to boost relaxation and reconnection.
86% of Aussies leaning into JOMO
It's a timely move as two-thirds (86%) of Aussies say these types of trips reduce stress and anxiety, and nearly half say that it enhances quality time with loved ones.
This is something I recently experienced for myself with a two-night stay at Dunoon Farmhouse in Gerrigong, NSW. This lush property - which is a stunningly restored house on a working dairy farm - was the ideal place for my partner, 2.5 year old son and I to do absolutely nothing. For a family who usually take action packed and adventurous holidays where sitting still is a foreign concept, embracing JOMO at Dunoon was welcome change.
My son loved seeing the cows grazing by the pool (ngl, so did I!) and my partner and I relished relaxing by the outdoor fireplace with a cheeseboard and bottle of wine (both generously provided by our hosts) after sundown. The property was big enough that my son could run around, ride his bike and fly his toy aeroplane, meaning that even our usual pilgrimage to the local playground to burn energy was unnecessary. And when I say Dunoon Farmouse was design goals...let's just say the downside to our stay was going home and noticing all of the things about our own house that we want to change.
While trips with a toddler are rarely chilled and relaxing, this weekend getaway was an exception as we enjoyed quality time and connection as a family in a gorgeous property where literally everything you could need was provided - making it easy to stay home.
Better sleep and a brighter mood
As it turns out, there are some major health benefits to embracing JOMO - whether from the comfort of your own home or someone else's, or even a secluded camp site!
"Pausing is good for our nervous system," Jaimie explains. "Focusing on self-care and doing things that replenish you rather than deplete you can lower anxiety and stress. JOMO is about shifting the focus from what you might be missing to what you genuinely enjoy. Physically, embracing JOMO can lead to better sleep, a brighter mood, and reduced fatigue, as it often means stepping back from the demands of life. It gives you more time to engage in restorative activities, which are vital for overall health."
As a bonus, JOMO travel can also save you some money because you're not shelling out for potentially expensive activities and meals out, instead you can choose a vacation rental within your budget and just go and immerse yourself in it. In a time when people are worried about cash yet more in need of a break than ever, JOMO travel is definitely an avenue worth exploring.
Biggest myth about missing out
Another benefit of JOMO - whether in the form of a serene tiny home or a Saturday night cosied up on the couch - is the chance for self reflection and, subsequently, increased confidence.
"A common myth is that JOMO means isolating yourself or being anti-social. In reality, JOMO is about finding balance and making intentional choices about when to be social versus when to enjoy your own company," Jaimie says. "Another misconception is that JOMO leads to loneliness; rather, it can deepen your connection with yourself and ultimately enhance your social confidence and joy and overall wellbeing."
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As one JOMO enthusiast wrote on TikTok,"When I was younger it used to make me sad that I didn’t get invited to many hang outs, but I realise now that the time I spent with myself was worth so much more and I love that 💛 and I love me 😊."
Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Stayz.
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