Although social media is a wonderful tool to stay connected to distant friends and family—and gives us an opportunity to make new relationships virtually, we’re discovering it comes with the high price of comparison.
According to recent statistics, social media has been linked to higher levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety, depression, narcissism and decreased social skills.
We’re in an era where we cannot live without it, but here are two ways you can manage your social media consumption and combat its effects on your body image.
1. Begin Your Day Unplugged
Unfortunately, so many of us start our morning routines with our cell phones. We check emails, our digital calendars, and the posts we’ve missed while we slept. Instead of reaching for our mobile devices, commit to building an unplugged ritual for the first few hours of your morning. You can start with meditation, journaling, or a nice cup of coffee!
2. Unfollow Accounts that Spark Comparison
Do you feel obligated to accept every friend request? Resist the urge to always accept and go through your current friend’s list. Consider the real-life relationships you have with people on your social media channels and be willing to let go of those that no longer serve you in positive ways. Furthermore, if there are people who spark comparison for you, it’s okay to unfollow them. I repeat, it’s okay. Social media is a highlight reel, and it’s meant to complement the journey of life. When it hinders your focus on the beauty of your life, be okay with taking steps to protect your heart space.
Creating routines and boundaries online will not only help you gain clarity in your everyday life, but it will also help you to remember that you’re beautiful, just the way you are.
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