If you find yourself always thinking of what other people have instead of appreciating what you do have, then jealousy is a problem.
Jealousy can be triggered by a variety of situations, including a friend’s new relationship or a coworker’s promotion. Understanding the root cause of your jealousy will help you figure out how to get rid of it.
Rather than dwelling on jealousy, focus on what you want in your life. Identifying and pursuing your dreams can help you feel more confident about yourself.
To do this, try focusing on your personal values – things like compassion, communication and honesty. That way, you’ll be able to see whether you’re living those qualities on a daily basis.
Getting to the root of your jealousy may be easier than you think, especially if it stems from low self-esteem. That may include improving your self-talk, practicing meditation or even seeking therapy.
Jealousy is usually rooted in some kind of underlying insecurity. For example, if you feel insecure about your net worth, seeing someone who has a big house or is in a great relationship might make you jealous.
If you are able to understand your own jealous thoughts and behaviors, then they can be quashed. This is where talking to a therapist comes in handy.
They will help you understand why you are feeling jealous and will work with you to figure out healthy coping mechanisms that will prevent it from affecting your life. They can also help you work through some trauma that may be causing you to feel jealous in the first place.
Talking to a therapist about your jealousy can help you get to the root of the problem. They can give you tools and resources to cope with jealousy, and teach you how to handle it in a healthy way.
A therapist will ask you a lot of questions about your relationship and the circumstances that lead to your feelings of jealousy. They'll also examine your beliefs and how they play out in real life.
They should also validate your feelings and thoughts and try to make you feel safe. That doesn't mean they agree with everything you say or do, but it does mean they understand where you're coming from and why you're feeling the way you do.
Meditation is a practice that can help you to calm your mind and relax. It also has many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety.
If you’re new to meditation, start by focusing on your breath. Then slowly work your way up to other forms of meditation, such as body scan or meditation that involves a mantra.
The trick is to learn how to redirect your thoughts when they wander. Instead of being frustrated with them or trying to force yourself to focus, just return your attention to what you’re doing.
Taking five minutes to sit and meditate can make a big difference. The slow breathing and positive internal dialogue can make you feel worthy and enough, which will subside your jealous feelings.
Exercise has a plethora of health benefits, from lowering your risk for weight gain and type 2 diabetes to increasing your strength and flexibility. Physical activity can also improve your mood and help you sleep better.
But getting started isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to find a workout plan that’s right for you.
Start small, ideally with short bouts of activity that can be done at any time during the day and build from there. Even tasks like gardening, housework, yard work, or playing with the kids can count toward your movement quota, says Sallis.
Practicing gratitude regularly is a great way to combat jealousy and cultivate an abundance mindset. Think of everything you have in your life that you are grateful for.