Skyros Blog
The Joy of missing out JOMO
And why one Greek retreat could help you reconnect where it matters most.
Let’s face it: our phones are engineered to keep us hooked. From Instagram pings to WhatsApp buzzes and breaking news alerts, it’s no wonder many of us feel anxious at the thought of switching off.
This is the age of FOMO — the Fear Of Missing Out. But what if it’s not what we’re missing online that matters, but what we’re missing in real life?
According to Ofcom, the average UK adult now spends over 2 hours a day on their smartphone and nearly 4 hours watching television. That’s more than 40 full days a year lost to screens. At the same time, over 70% of working adults say they feel life is passing them by.
Research from the University of California, Irvine, found that after a digital interruption, it takes 25 minutes to refocus. Worse still, even having your phone in the room can reduce your brain's available capacity, a phenomenon researchers now call “brain drain.”
So what’s the alternative?
Replacing FOMO with JOMO - Joy of missing out
Rather than quitting your phone cold turkey, try replacing the dopamine hits of digital life with something more meaningful: connection, creativity, calm.
That’s exactly what Skyros Holidays offers.
What Happens When You Stop Reaching for Your Phone
Skyros, a long-standing holistic retreat on the Greek island of the same name, doesn’t tell you to unplug. It simply gives you better reasons to put your phone down.
Guests spend their days sea swimming, joining creative workshops, dancing under the stars, or simply chatting over long, laughter-filled dinners. Phones don’t disappear, they just start to matter less. Many guests report that by the end of the week, they’ve barely noticed how little they’ve used them.
“There are no rules about phones,” says Christine Schulz, Director of Skyros Holidays. “We just create an environment where people want to be fully present.”
Why Skyros Works
The retreat’s structure is inspired by ancient Greek traditions of Demos (gathering and reflection) and Oekos (community and home). It’s a space designed for real connection, not just with others, but with yourself.
And if you’re among the 81% of people who say they want to write a book? Or the millions hoping to feel more inspired and in control again? This could be your starting point.
How to Start Your Own Digital Detox
You don’t need to delete every app or toss your phone into the sea — just begin with small, intentional shifts:
Turn off non-essential notifications – That buzz from a retail app isn’t urgent. Create breathing space by silencing everything but the essentials.
Replace screen time with real-time – Reach for a book, take a walk, journal, or sit with a cup of tea. Notice how it feels to choose presence.
Create phone-free zones – No phones in bed, at the table, or during conversations. It’s a boundary that builds better habits.
Use tools to track your use – Apps like Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing show you where your time is going — and where to claw it back.
Find your people – Let friends or family in on your plan, or join a retreat like Skyros where being present is the norm, not the exception.
You Don’t Need a Digital Detox. You Need a Real Recharge.
Skyros isn’t anti-technology. It’s pro-human. It’s about laughter, sea breeze, and remembering what it feels like to be in the moment.
And if you’re ready to stop scrolling and start living, it could be the most powerful thing you do this year.
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