Prevention of self-estrangement while living in a fast paced and increasingly demanding society.

By: Pavithra Vellengar

In today's fast-paced and increasingly demanding society, preventing self-estrangement is crucial for maintaining mental health and overall well-being. Self-estrangement, the feeling of being disconnected from one’s own identity and values, can lead to severe consequences such as depression, anxiety, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. A study by the American Psychological Association found that “77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and 73% experience psychological symptoms” (Stress a Major Health Problem in The U.S., Warns APA). This indicates a significant portion of the population may be at risk of self-estrangement due to chronic stress and overwork. Furthermore, a specific cause to the current fast paced society is the increased usage of technology due to its convenience. Technology usage in America has gone up to from just half of the population to over 90% of people since the 2000’s (How has technology changed - and changed us - in the past 20 years?). It is said that technology can “remove choices from individuals” (Technology and alienation: symptoms, causes and a framework for discussion) which can lead people to believe they have a lack of choice within their lives as they are being led on by other’s opinions. Furthermore, this increase in pace of society has led to “health effects from drug or alcohol abuse and eating disorders”(Alienation). Ignoring this issue can result in a decline in productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs for both individuals and organizations. Conversely, prioritizing self-awareness and aligning one's actions with personal values can enhance life satisfaction and foster a more engaged and motivated workforce. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, regular self-reflection, and setting aside time for activities that align with personal passions and interests can help mitigate the risks of self-estrangement. These actions lead to a sense of “empowerment” within oneself which makes them feel control over their lives and helps battle alienation.(Alienation). Moreover, employers can play a pivotal role by promoting a healthy work-life balance and providing resources for stress management. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to prevent self-estrangement, thereby ensuring a healthier, more fulfilled society.

In addition to the factors previously discussed, self-estrangement can also arise from a lack of meaningful connections and a clear sense of purpose. When people feel disconnected from their communities or directionless, they can experience deep isolation and disorientation. This issue is often worsened by societal pressures to conform to external standards of success and happiness, leading individuals to prioritize superficial achievements over true self-fulfillment. As people increasingly seek validation through social media and digital interactions, the quality and depth of their real-life relationships may decline which  further contributes to feelings of alienation. Moreover, the relentless pursuit of productivity and efficiency in modern workplaces can leave little room for personal growth and self-discovery, causing individuals to suppress their true interests and desires to meet external expectations. Addressing self-estrangement needs an emotional approach that emphasizes self-awareness and mindfulness and encourages the making of meaningful relationships, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for authentic self-expression. Recommendations to address these issues include regular mindfulness practices, self-reflection, developing emotional intelligence and resilience, setting technological boundaries, and engaging in more meaningful interactions.

• Consistent mindfulness, such as meditation, can significantly enhance self-awareness. Through regularly engaging in mindfulness, individuals can increase the awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, which helps people understand their internal experiences more deeply. Over time, this heightened awareness makes a stronger connection to one’s identity and values, thereby reducing feelings of self-estrangement. Additionally, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being, making it a powerful tool for navigating the pressures of a demanding society. 

• Setting aside time for self-reflection is crucial for maintaining a strong sense of self. The idea ties with mindfulness as activities such as journaling or contemplation allow individuals to assess their actions, thoughts, and feelings in relation to their personal values and goals. Journaling can involve writing about daily experiences, emotions, and reflections, which helps in understanding oneself better and tracking personal growth. Contemplation, on the other hand, can involve quiet time spent thinking about one's life, choices, and direction. By regularly engaging in self-reflection, people can ensure that their actions align with their true desires and aspirations, preventing self-estrangement and promoting authenticity in their daily lives.

• Having Emotional Intelligence and Resilience is an effective tool to prevent self estrangement as well. Reflecting on experiences and emotions can enhance emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. Developing emotional intelligence leads to better relationships and improved relationships with those around you which can lead to greater empathy. Empathy is a key factor to preventing self-estrangement as it allows you to stay connected to the people around you and not reduce it to the masses. the reflection process also builds resilience, allowing individuals to cope more effectively with stress and challenges. By understanding and processing their emotions, people can navigate the complexities of a demanding society with greater ease and maintain a strong connection to their true selves.

• Technology boundaries are also very important in current society. Reducing the amount of time spent on technology, especially social media, is essential for reclaiming a sense of autonomy. Excessive use of technology can lead to feelings of alienation and disconnect from real-life experiences and relationships. By setting boundaries on technology usage, individuals can create more space for meaningful interactions and activities that align with their personal values. This might involve designated tech-free times, such as during meals or before bedtime, or specific days when technology use is minimized. Establishing these boundaries can lead to a greater sense of control over one’s life, improved mental well-being, and reduced feelings of self-estrangement. 

Therefore, understanding and addressing self-estrangement is essential for maintaining mental health and overall well-being in today’s fast-paced society. In the past, this issue was presented in a much smaller scale however as time has passed it is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed. By incorporating mindfulness practices, self-reflection, and setting technology boundaries, individuals can reconnect with their true selves and lead more fulfilling lives. You can do it, I pinky promise.