The Science of FOMO
Turn FOMO into JOMO! Taking time for yourself gives your brain a chance to reboot, improves concentration, increases productivity, helps you discover (or rediscover) your own voice, gives you a chance to think deeply, and helps you problem solve more effectively. It also gives you a better sense of balance and self-awareness that can lead to a better understanding of yourself–what drives you, what inspires you, what excites you. This, in turn, can have a positive effect not only on the quality of your relationship with yourself, but also on the quality of your relationships with others.
1. Alone time allows you to unwind & reboot your brain
Less really is more! Turning away from the distracted decisions and flipping the “on” switch to the “off” position gives your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself. Being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly. It’s an opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at the same time.
2. Alone time helps to improve concentration and increase productivity. When you remove as many distractions and interruptions as you can from your day, you are better able to concentrate, which will help you get more work done in a shorter amount of time. (Tame thy squirrels!)
3. Alone time gives you an opportunity to discover yourself and find your own voice. When you’re a part of a group, you’re more likely to go along with what the group is doing or thinking, which isn’t always truly congruent with what you might do if left to make your own decision— STAND ALONE and stick by your gut instincts.
4. Alone time provides time for you to think deeply. Day to day responsibilities and commitments can make your to-do list seem as if it has no end (Retired member of the “SOS” – Shiny object syndrome). Constant movement can prevent you from engaging in deep thought, which disables creativity and lessens productivity. Fomo
5. Alone time helps you work through problems more effectively. You have to step away and seek solutions from a different mindset in order to evaluate new strategies. It’s hard to think of effective solutions to problems when you’re distracted by incoming information, and fractional messaging regardless of whether that information is electronic or human. (Put a sign on your office door “GONE FISHING!”)
6. Alone time can enhance the quality of your relationships with others. By spending time with yourself and gaining a better understanding of who you are and what you desire in life, you’re more likely to make better choices about who you want to be around. You also may come to appreciate your relationships more after you’ve spent some time alone.
Despite knowing these benefits, you still may find it hard to create that much needed time. Perhaps one or more of the ideas below will help you find more time to spend with yourself.
♦ Disconnect. Turn off your cell phone, Turn off your Internet. Turn off your TV. Turn off facebook (unless it’s 2pm EST— so you can catch a healthy habit hack from me live :)) Turn of all the bells, dings, and beeps that come along with being connected to the Internet. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done when you’re not distracted.
♦ Get Up or Get In Early. Wake up a half hour or an hour earlier than everyone else in your house and use that time to do your GIA (Gratification, Affirmation & Intention) create, produce, problem solve, meditate, or whatever makes you happy.
♦ Close Your Door. Tell others you are in “time out” or “working on an important project”
♦ Use Your Lunch Time. Once a week or even just a couple of times a month, commit to spending lunch with yourself. Walk. Sit in the sun outside. Go to a park and eat. Enjoy the time you have alone.
♦ Schedule solitude. Literally. Mark off time in your day planner or calendar for spending time with yourself and make it NON-NEGOTIABLE!! You are a non-negotiable asset. Treat yourself like you would another high level appointment that is worth a million buckos!!! You are worth it kiddo!
XO,
Becca
