Issue #144: Envy is Evil
Good morning. It’s Thursday, March 9th.
From the Lab: Envy is the Devil
Speed Read: Great Sex
Thursday Night In: Squash & Guac Bowl
Moment of Fun: A Dad Press Conference
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Number of people worldwide on social media in 2022 (Statista).
From the Lab
We've always compared ourselves to others.
But today, that comparison goes beyond where we fit amongst a group of 80-90 (the size of the average hunter-gatherer tribe). With social media - it’s the entire world (see Stat of the Day).
The issue is that we are comparing our internal reality with an external highlight reel - not really a fair fight.
This negatively affects all of us:
To which Cal Newport asks the question: Why do we insist on still shrugging our shoulders and continuing to treat the use of these tools like some sort of unavoidable civic and professional necessity?
But it doesn’t need to just be online - seeing a neighbor remodel their house, buy a new car, or talk about a ski trip to Vail can create a feeling of envy.
We actually buy more stuff when we compare ourselves to others - stuff we don’t need and won’t make us happy.
But let’s be honest - this is to some extent inevitable. We compare ourselves to our own social circle - parents of kids at the same school, work colleagues or friends from college.
If you’re going to compare yourself to someone - it should be yourself. And not “what you own," but “how you live” - alright, alright, alright.
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Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Supplement to Fight Alzheimer's?: Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to the more commonly known NMN or NAD+, when taken as a supplement can enter the brain. This finding shows there might be potential that it could be a defense to cognitive disease. (Longevity Insider).
A Conversation About Sex: Interesting insights from a sex therapist on what great sex is. An orgasm isn't the goal of great lovers, but, instead, being absorbed in the moment and in sync with your partner. Other keys are erotic intimacy, empathic communication, being authentic and vulnerable, and exploring and having fun. (Knowable)
How to Feel Alive: It’s hard to stay in the present. Everyone wants to be in a different space or time than they are right now. Max keeps working on himself to get to some ultimate version. Is this being alive - constantly shackled by this ideal that is impossible? Ask yourself, “what soothes you?” Find your answer, recreate it as often as you can and reflect on that feeling. (NYTimes)
Thursday Night In
Are you like us - always looking for new ways to put together a bowl? Here's a good recipe with some great spices and taking advantage of the winter season of butternut squash. Feel free to avoid the beans if you prefer.
Moment of Fun
What a professional athlete has to sit through after every single game...
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.