I am Jealous

Dealing with Envy in the Age of Social Media and AI-Generated Happiness

When jealousy hits you so hard that you feel like crying and screaming, remember that it’s totally normal! Don’t be too hard on yourself—embrace those feelings and know that acceptance is the first step to moving forward. 

Olivia Rodrigo's lyrics pull at our heartstrings. The lyrics of “jealousy, jealousy” showcase frustration and self-doubt. She expresses her desire to throw her phone across the room as she constantly sees girls who appear too good to be true, with perfect bodies and paper-white teeth. Olivia reflects on her own insecurities, admitting that she cares about these comparisons even though she knows she shouldn’t. II think this song is sung the loudest at the concerts I have attended. She's awesome and addresses what we deal with in the age of social media.  

In today’s digital age, social media platforms and AI-generated content often present a curated version of reality that can trigger feelings of envy and inadequacy.  As we scroll through endless feeds of seemingly perfect lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. This comparison can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and envy, making it challenging to appreciate our own unique journey.

Understanding Social Media Envy

Social media envy arises when we compare our lives to the highlight reels of others. Friends, celebrities and influencers showcase their ahiements, vacations and picture-perfect moments which can make us feel like we're missing out. Often we feel like we don't measure up to these picture perfect people. This is referred to as "upward social comparison" illness. It's when we perceive others to be better off, more successful in certain areas, such as career, appearance and lifestyle. This type of comparison can sometimes inspire us to achieve but it can also lead us to feelings of inadquacy and low self-esteem where we feel like we will never measure up and are simply unworthy. Frustreation and anxiety results. 

The Impact of AI-Generated Happiness

AI-generated content, such as perfectly crafted images and videos, adds another layer to this issue. I'm sorry but NO ONE has perfect skin and teeth. These images, although inspiring, can set unrealistic stnadards and lead to feelings of envy and dissatisfaction with our bodies and lives. 

Strategies to Combat Envy

  1. Focus on Your Journey: Remind yourself that everyone has a unique path. Celebrate your own progress and achivements, no matter how small they may seem.

  2. Limit Social Media Use: Reducing the time spent on social media can help minimize exposure to envy-inducing content. Track your usage: use built-in features on your phone like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to monitor how much time you spend on social media applications. Disabling notifications for social media apps can reduce distractions and allocating specific times in the day to check you phone can assist you to cut back on scroll time. 

  3. Gratitude: Shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you appreciate the positive aspects of your life and reduce feelings of envy. Answer the following three questions every evening and read the answers the next morning to set your day for gratitude; 1. What made me smile today, 2. Who are three people in my life I am grateful for? and, 3. What is something I usually take for granted but today I notice and am thankful for. 

  4. Reality Check: Social Media often showcases the best moments and not the full picture. Dear Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian often shared joyful moments and humorous posts on his social channels giving us the impression he was happy and thriving when in reality behind the scenes he was struggling with several depression that ultimately led to his tragic passing. Have you ever heard of "smiling depression?" This occurs when individuals who are experiencing depression mask their symptoms with a happy, successful image on social media. Often individuals suffering from this disease will record milestone events in the brightest light when in fact they are battling deep sadness and pain. 

  5. Engage: Invest time in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in self-care can help you feel more content and less focused on comparisons. Invest in the Reiki Self-Care course offered here to assist you in a new level of well-being. 

The Role of Reiki in Calming Envy

Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, can be a powerful tool to help calm the emotional storm of envy. Balancing the body's energy centers, Reiki promotes relaxation, reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being: Here is how Reiki can reduce your anxious feelings of envy and self-comparison: 

  1. Energy Balance: Reiki helps to balance your energy, releasing blockages that may be contributing to negative emotions like envy. This balance can create a sense of inner peace and stability.

  2. Emotional Release: During a Reiki session, you may experience the release of pent-up emotions, including envy and frustration leaving you with a more positive outlook after the session. 

  3. Mindfulness and Presence: Reiki encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. This practice can help you focus on your own journey and achievements, rather than comparing yourself to others.

  4. Self-Compassion: Reiki fosters self-compassion and acceptance. By nurturing a loving and accepting attitude towards yourself, you can reduce the impact of envy and build a stronger sense of self-worth. 

When your feelings are triggered and you are feeling jealousy and envy, it's important to stay grounded and focus on your own path. By practicing gratitude, setting boundaries, and engaging in meaningful activities, you can combat envy and foster a sense of contentment. Incorporating Reiki into your routine can further support your emotional well-being, helping you navigate the challenges of envy with grace and resilience.

Remember, your journey is unique and valuable. Embrace it with an open heart and mind. There is only one YOU and we are so grateful you are here reading with us at Let it go with REIKI. If we can offer further assistance with a Reiki Session either long-distance or in-person in the Halton area, call us. With love, Calah xo 

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