It must be in the summer air...
Over the last few weeks, I have had several conversations with women, from close friends to clients, about taking a social media break.
I would say almost every single one of these incredible, vibrant ladies, shared how they have in some way felt less than after scrolling through their Instagram or Facebook feeds. Can you relate?
I love the idea of stepping away from the screen as part of tending to our self-care. The thing is, whether we step away for a few days or take an entire month off, at some point, when we decide to go back on, that feeling of being less than will likely creep back in at some point. Am I right??
So, what do we do?
We have to create a social media self-care plan for noticing the feelings as they arise, and then some action steps to follow to take care of ourselves in the moment. A few months back, I wrote a piece that was recently shared on Create & Cultivate that has my step-by-step flow for dealing with the comparison game. Check it out here, and bookmark it for the next time you find yourself feeling less than in any way.
How to Deal with Comparison in a Positive, Self-Loving Way
I have been seeing a lot of the hashtag #DoYou lately and have to admit I’m a fan. I love a message that encourages us to keep our eyes on our own page. Yet, what I find ironic (CUE a little Alanis here…) is that it’s a hashtag leading us to other social media pages, which begs a game of comparison.
The comparison game doesn’t just exist on social media. It shows up in unexpected ways in our everyday life. But like any game, we can play strategically.
Comparison doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
Here’s my challenge for you. When you're perusing Facebook or Instagram & find yourself thinking about what you don’t have or don’t do—you know, playing a good old game of comparison—take a moment & think about the flip side. The flip side is you tapping into YOUR interests, YOUR wants, YOUR desires, YOUR truths. It is you seeking more information about what you are craving & wanting in your life. It is using a moment of comparison to learn more about what you innately might be craving.
So let’s play for a minute. You see a photo and find yourself thinking the following:
"I don't have enough money."
What's the flip side? Maybe it's something like, "I will get serious about how much money I actually need. I'll create a financial plan & stick to it."
"I don't have time to travel."
What's the flip side? "I'm craving more adventure. I'll plan a day trip to somewhere new."
"I don't do yoga."
What's the flip side? "So I don't do yoga. But I DO do hair flips & dance parties. I'll call a friend & take a Zumba class."
Let's use the comparison game to understand ourselves more. I’ll be playing this week too over on Instagram & would love for you to join me. Use the hashtag #DoYou & tag me in your post.