Picture this: It’s Friday night. Your group chat is buzzing, everyone is heading out for a “wild” night. Meanwhile, you’re in bed, cozy, wearing your softest pajamas, about to binge-watch your comfort show. You could be out, but instead, you’re experiencing the underrated magic of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out.

Wait, JOMO? ‘What’s that’ you may be asking yourself?

JOMO is the cooler, way less anxious sibling of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Instead of stressing about what you’re not doing, you actually enjoy skipping out. It’s about living in the moment without the pressure of “should I be oing something cooler.” And for students? JOMO can be a superpower.

1. Your Sleep Schedule Will Thank You

If you’ve ever gone to a party thinking, I’ll just stay for a bit, only to find yourself crawling into bed at 4 AM, you know the struggle. The next morning? Pure regret. Your alarm rings, your responsibilities are glaring at you, and your body feels like it just got hit by an exam season truck.

JOMO flips the situation. Choosing to stay in means waking up refreshed, looking (and feeling) hydrated, while your friends are chugging coffee and trying to piece together last night’s events.

2. Less Drama, More Peace

Let’s be real, some social events are chaos. There’s always that one friend who starts unnecessary drama, that one person who disappears, and someone who insists on making it everyone’s problem that they lost their jacket.

Meanwhile, you’re at home, watching cat videos, or reading that book you swore you’d finish, or journaling your deepest thoughts.

JOMO = choosing peace over pettiness.

3. Your Wallet Stays Happy

Student life and money struggles go hand in hand. A night out might seem fun, until you realize you spent €30 on overpriced drinks, €15 on midnight fries, and another €20 on an Uber because “walking felt impossible.”

Staying in? Free.

Even better, you can use that money on things that actually bring you joy like saving money for a trip to a concert or something you really like.

4. You Get to Do Exactly What You Want!

Ever been at a party thinking, Why am I even here? Yeah, we’ve all been there. The music isn’t your vibe, the conversations are painfully surface-level, and suddenly, all you want is your bed and a good movie (an introvert’s dream).

JOMO means you’re in full control of your time. Want to have a self-care night with face masks and a cup of tea? Do it. Feel like sketching, journaling, or working on that secret side project? Go for it. No obligations, no pretending to enjoy something you don’t.
It’s your night, your rules.

5. Productivity Without the Burnout

Sometimes, missing out gives you the space to actually get things done without the last-minute panic.

Picture this: Your friends spent the weekend out, and now they’re scrambling to finish an assignment 10 minutes before the deadline. You, however, planned ahead. You finished your work, took breaks, and still had time to chill.

JOMO isn’t about being a productivity machine it’s about balance. By skipping the noise, you get to focus on things that actually matter (without sacrificing your sanity).

How to Embrace JOMO Like a Pro

Feeling inspired to ditch FOMO and embrace the joy of staying in? Here’s how to own your JOMO era:

Reframe your mindset. Missing out isn’t a loss it’s a choice for your well-being.

Create a JOMO ritual. Have a go-to cozy setup: candles, blankets, snacks, a playlist that makes you feel like the main character.

Set boundaries. Just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you have to go. A simple “Not this time, but have fun!” works wonders.

Enjoy your own company. Whether it’s journaling, reading, or dancing around your room, find joy in doing things solo.

You silence the noise. If social media makes you feel like you’re missing out, take a break. Interested in how to take a break? Read my other article about doing a social media detox: https://hub.buas.nl/read/a-week-without-social-media-a-detox-journey/%0A. You’re not missing much just blurry party selfies and regret-filled Sunday stories.

The Final Takeaway

JOMO is all about owning your time, prioritizing what actually makes you happy, and knowing that “missing out” is sometimes the best decision.

So next time you see a party invite and your soul whispers, ‘Stay home’, listen to it. Your cozy bed, favorite snacks, and drama-free night are waiting for you.

Who knew missing out could feel this good? And Of course if YOU want to go to that party, because you’re in the mood, you should just go. Remember, Balance !