If you have ever found yourself creeping someone's Facebook or Instagram and thinking, "her life is perfect!" thus beginning that downward spiral of self loathing,
this list may be your saving grace! Read this list and remember that social media can be a wonderful tool for life altering inspiration.
1. Realize there's plenty of happiness, beauty, and success to go around.
Just because it looks like someone is having an amazingly time in their life, it doesn't mean that you don't have an amazing time in yours. Because they have a good job/perfect body/greatest relationship it doesn't mean you can't have these things. There is something out there for you as well, take a look at what's going on in your life, you may already have what you are looking for. Besides, the more wonderful happenings in the world, the better.
2. Shift from self-criticism to inspiration.
Let's use clothing style as an example. You're scrolling through Instagram and you see someone with a style you think is better than yours. Don't start beating yourself up, use it as inspiration. There is something about this style you like, identify it and look at what you can do to create your own version. She doesn't have anything you don't, you just haven't done it yet. Put it on and own it!
3. Make a list of things you're grateful for.
Gratitude is far healthier than comparison. Next time you find yourself making negative comparisons, stop and write down something you're grateful for. Next time you need a boost, pull it out and read.
4. Realize that social media is the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes.
No matter how perfect someone's life appears online, remember that it isn't the entire picture. No one posts everything and the majority of people only post good memories or experiences. Those really great photos and comments that are making you envious, are only part of the story. Ups and downs exist for everyone. So stop thinking about your down moments and remember that someone might have a moment like that looking at your life. We all have enviable moments. Real life covers it all, good and bad.
5. Make a list of the moments in life, however big or small, that give you joy.
Once you know what moments of the day or week feel you with joy, make time for it. Treat it like an important meeting or appointment and don't skip out on it. For me, it is going to see my favourite local band every weekend and dancing all night with my friend. I am not 'ok' if I miss these moments. It makes me happy and joyful and when I am happy and joyful, good things start to happen. Fill your day with more of what makes you happy and just watch as everything becomes just a little bit sunnier.
6. Be proactive instead of reactive.
When you compare yourself to others in a negative way, you are only reacting to the situation you are seeing. Take a moment to figure out what your goal is. Take a deep breath and start working towards that end. Even the tiniest step will lift your spirits and get the ball rolling in the right direction.
7. Get creative.
Using your creativity is a wonderful way to fight those moments of self doubt. Creative self expression is a really good way to give yourself a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Remind yourself of your abilities and talents in your own special way. Try changing up your wardrobe, experimenting with a recipe, start a new knitting project, whatever floats your boat.
8. Send the person you're comparing yourself to even more love and good vibes.
Sometimes comparison comes from a place of judgement and criticism. Practice graciousness and be genuinely happy for this person. What you put out into the universe, you will receive in return. If you make a point each day to send love into the world, it will not be long before it comes back. Instantly, it will shift your energy to a positive place and it will attract positive people into your life.
