Ever feel like social media just makes you feel meh? đź«
Watching all those “perfect” vacations, beach bodies, success stories, date nights– isn’t it just exhausting? Doesn’t it make you feel like everyone else “has got it better”?
Here’s a therapist’s reminder that constant comparison to “seemingly perfect” lives makes us feel under-confident, inadequate, anxious, even depressed.
Here’s what you can do–
Treat your Phone like a Cookie Jar!
Ever mindlessly grab cookies one after another until the jar is empty? Social media can be the same! Try this:
➡️Set a scroll timer: Before you open a social media app, set a timer for 15 minutes. Once it goes off, close the app!Â
➡️Be mindful: While scrolling, be present! Ask yourself, “Does this post inspire me or make me feel good?” If not, swipe!
➡️Grab and go: Once you’ve “grabbed” what you came for (news, messages, inspiration, entertainment), close the app and get back to real life! You wouldn’t hold onto an empty cookie jar, would you?
Curate Your Happy Feed!
Your social media feed should be a source of joy, not envy. Here’s how to make it a happy place:
➡️Identify the downers: Notice which accounts trigger anxiety, FOMO or negativity. Hit unfollow or mute immediately, without guilt!
➡️“Follow” your passion: Love baking? Follow inspiring pastry chefs! Into fitness? Find trainers who motivate you! Fill your feed with things that spark your passions.
Look beyond the Highlight Reel!
Social media is a world of perfectly curated moments, not the messy reality of life. Here’s how to keep perspective:
➡️Behind the scenes: Remind yourself that everyone has “downs” that they don’t post online.
➡️Compare Yourself to…yourself! Track your own progress, not someone else’s journey. Celebrate how far you’ve come!
Turn Envy into Inspiration!
➡️Identify the “Why”: What about the post sparked envy? Is it their travel adventures, their fitness routine?
➡️Turn comparison into action: Use that feeling as fuel! Research travel destinations, or start a workout plan.
