How to Kick FOMO Around Drinking
FOMO, otherwise known as “the fear of missing out” can be an incredibly overwhelming feeling, particularly when related to alcohol. Social Media and magazines are overflowing with images of people having a good time with a cocktail in their hand. That means it can be easy to feel like you are missing out when you do not drink alcohol.
In fact, a study carried out in the US linked the level of young people’s FOMO to their drinking habits. Those who self reported the highest levels of FOMO were the most likely to get involved with underage drinking. FOMO is clearly a very strong motivator.
And it makes sense. I’m sure many people who have given up alcohol and embraced sober curiosity have had moments where they wonder things like “will I lose friends if I stop drinking?” “Will people think I am boring if I don’t drink?” “Will I be missing out by mindfully drinking?” It can be scary to go against the crowd!
So how do you over come FOMO and the fear of missing alcohol? It’s all about reframing our experiences and embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO). So here are some top tips on how to overcome FOMO from alcohol and start feeling JOMO.
1. Enjoy the Freedom of Being the Sober One On a Night Out!
Being the only sober person, surrounded by a group of people who are not, can be really fun. Of course, going out in a place filled with alcohol is not an option for everyone, but for those that it is, it can be a great experience. The atmosphere can be infectious, light and fun.
And to top that off you can enjoy the smug feeling of knowing you are having a great time but won’t suffer any of the consequences the next morning. Better still, you are likely the only person who will remember what happened in the morning. That means you can remember what everyone else did, but be completely free knowing no one will remember the silly dance moves you pulled out!
Of course, not every night will be fun, but that is the same when you drink. We’ve all been on those forced nights out where you just keep drinking but never quite feel it. When you aren’t drinking, its easier to just call it a night and go home, without the pressure of feeling like just one more drink will improve the night!
2. Take Charge of Your Social Life
If you feel like your social life is surrounded by alcohol, you meet at the pub with your friends every night, or you only go on nights out, you have the power to change it. Arrange with your friends to meet in a place where you won’t feel like the odd one out for not drinking, and where you won’t miss drinking. Don’t leave a space for FOMO!
There are so many ways of connecting with people without alcohol. So why not try inviting someone for lunch, or to go for a walk in the park, do yoga, go bowling…. the list goes on. Take charge of your own social life and start connecting with your friends outside of alcohol. You might find you discover a whole new level of friendship!
3. Only Join The Events You Want To Go To
One of the joys of overcoming FOMO is that won’t ever need to go to the events that you don’t want to again. Remember going to that party because you had FOMO, but just not wanting to be there? Well, if you do feel like you have to go somewhere and drink because you are worried of missing out, try and remember what you’d have missed out on last time. Nothing much!
When you start to miss things every now and then, you are likely to experience less FOMO when you realise that you didn’t actually miss all that much. And it means you can enjoy the things you do join in with, but won’t feel that agonising anxiety that you are missing out on a great time!
4. Focus On The Joy Of Missing Out
It can be easy to focus on all the things we are missing when we quit alcohol. But instead of focusing on those, make a list in your head of all the things you are glad to be missing out on. The top of the list is that you miss out on a stonking hangover. You can get up after going out and just enjoy the next day!
There is also a joy of staying in, putting on your pajamas, cooking a nice dinner, and avoiding busy, noisy venues, expensive drinks, regrettable decisions, and the 3am kebab stop.
If you focus on want you’ve gained, instead of missing drinking, you might find yourself appreciating your newly found time, joy in other activities, deepened friendships and much much more.
Order JOMO and Get Excited About Trying Alcohol Free Drinks
Sometimes you can feel FOMO because you genuinely enjoy the range of tastes that alcohol can bring. For me, there is nothing nicer than warming up by the fire with a mug of mulled cider, or thinking up interesting cocktail recipes with my friends. But thanks to JOMO you can get these benefits, without having to touch a drop of alcohol.
JOMO is called the joy of missing out for a reason. By getting excited about alcohol-free drinks and subscribing to a JOMO subscription box you can try a whole range of alcohol-free drinks, find your favourites and taste test a little bit of everything.
JOMO makes non-alcoholic drinking a lot of fun. You can make a moment each month with the mindfully curated box, enjoy a new cocktail, complete with garnish and snacks, and try a whole range of pre-made alcohol-free drinks. You’ll never need to experience FOMO again with JOMO!