In this article we’ll cover how to handle social media envy and work on your self-improvement.
Social media envy isn’t new. Jealousy, the green-eyed monster. That’s what Shakespeare called it in Othello… and he was right.
Jealousy and envy are very powerful emotions and can be all-consuming once they’ve gotten hold of us.
It’s a fact, no matter how grateful we might be for the good things in our lives, there’s always someone else who has something we wish we had for ourselves, right?
One way to combat these strong emotions is to start a gratitude journal and record your thoughts on a daily or weekly basis. This helps to get them ‘out of your head’ and make them more tangible.
With the rise of social media envy, we’re all prone to look at images and photos from our friends enjoying their lives and have the “feeling of missing out” (or FOMO as it’s known).
OK, so what can you do when you suffer from social media envy and FOMO? Here are a few tips on how to rid your life of this ugly intruder before it begins to change who you are.
5 Hacks to Get Rid of Your Feelings of Social Media Envy
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ->>
1. Value your own situation
It’s easy to get caught up in a world where it seems other people have much more in life than you.
We’re bombarded with images of great wealth and unlimited experiences, so it’s not surprising you feel you’re missing out.
But remember, all may not what it seems. Those people posting great selfies while enjoying their life also have their downsides and problems, too.
This is where social media envy starts… remember, their life is never perfect.
What’s important here is to put things into perspective. Learn to value yourself whether it’s your appearance (what woman isn’t 100% happy with this?), your financial situation, or relationship issues.
OK, you may not look like a Kardashian, but maybe you have great health. You may not have a lot of money. But I bet you’re financially better off than the majority of the poor people around the globe who don’t even have enough to eat each day.
Are you suffering from social media envy and FOMO?
The ‘fear of missing out’?
2. Understand the trials of others
No matter how perfect every picture seems, everyone in it will have to face some trials in their life. We all do.
You could be missing out on finding the love of your life. But some ‘happy couples’ have spent a fortune and years trying to start a family because of infertility issues.
Just because someone’s life looks picture-perfect, never take for granted that they too are dealing with their own issues too.
3. Use motivation to change what you can
You can always make changes if you really feel social media envy or the fear of missing out (FOMO). For example, if you keep seeing your friends with their perfectly toned bodies in your Facebook feed, then do something about it.
Get out there and join a gym, start an exercise program or change your diet.
Or feel social media envy when you see friends taking tropical vacations that you can’t afford?
Well, here’s what to do.
Read my articles about making more money by starting a side hustle or start a home business. Another way to save money for your vacation is to cut back on eating out and any high-priced events you attend.
4. Get rid of social media envy by accepting what can’t be changed
OK, now it’s time for a reality check. You’ve got to accept that some things in life just cannot be changed. And it’s true, life can be a bitch sometimes.
Here’s a tip for dealing with a situation you cannot change. For example, say a family member has cut you out of their life. You need to deal with the situation and immediately focus on something else.
Focus on the things that are going right in your life, and how much you have to offer the world. Don’t dwell on the problem, just accept it’s difficult to change and get on with living your life.
5. Change your focus to get rid of social media envy
If you’re finding the feeling of social media envy or fear of missing out is getting to you and making you depressed, then you need to step back.
You are doing yourself no favors by constantly looking on social media at what seems to be the exciting lives of those around you.
You must remember that when someone shows the highlights of their life, they are generally putting out only the best bits. One way to tackle this is to cut down the amount of time you spend on these social media sites.
You may also want to consider talking less with that particular friend of yours (we’ve all come across them) who seems to be continuously bragging (yawn).
Why not try refocusing on something worthwhile like volunteering, which has a way of bringing perspective to life?
Jealousy and envy will get to all of us at some point in our lives, but they don’t have to take control of our emotions.
Take a look at Brene Brown’s bestseller Rising Strong for more support on how the ability to reset transforms the way you live, love, parent and lead.
Take a look at Brene’s great book for inspiration
