“My wardrobe sucks, I should start buying better clothes” “How do people have such a happening life?” “Ugh, she’s so attractive” “People really earn money making 30-second videos?” “Man, wish I could be like them”
This is what runs through my mind while scrolling through social media; be it LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or some other platform. Every other person seems to advance in their personal or professional life, and it always feels like you might get left behind. In today’s world, mental health has become a glaring issue, and sanity a priority.
Keeping this in mind, here are a few ways to help you in this process, and to remind you that you are not alone!
1. LIMIT YOUR TIME
Spending 6-8 hours on social media is not a healthy sign. An insecurity bug slowly creeps into your mind, affecting it day by day. It also makes you lethargic and unproductive.
Download applications that help reduce your screen time. Otherwise, ask a family member to give you the device only after a designated time, or put it in some other room.
2. TAKE A BREAK
Or as I call it: “The detoxifying period”. Almost every other person I know, including me, gets overwhelmed at some point. It’s an amalgamation of multiple things, which eventually comes to a point where everything feels pointless.
Take a break every month or so, deactivate accounts that don’t add much value, breathe, and look around you. You’ll find yourself, you will focus on better things and most importantly, and you will feel grateful.
3. FOLLOW WORTHY PAGES AND PEOPLE
Social Media can act as an extremely powerful tool. It provides you a medium to connect and grow with the people who inspire you, pages that provide knowledge, motivational quotes, practically anything which adds a positive note to your life. Follow these, and ensure they do benefit or inspire you. (It can be anything, a video of a dog playing for instance, as long as it brings a smile to your face!)
4. USE IT FOR UPSKILLING
There might be some passion or hobby which you always wanted to pursue, but couldn’t. I feel social media gives you an excellent platform to put yourself out there, connect with people having similar interests, and create content. It might help you to relax, learn and utilize your time more efficiently.
5. NEVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF COMPARISON
Every single person comes from a different background in all aspects. Every individual has their own battles, hardships, and successes; NO WAY it’s the same for everyone.
Thus stop categorizing, stop labeling, and stop wishful thinking. Learn to enjoy each and every moment, no matter how small it is, rise from every failure and look forward to this beautiful journey called life.
6. KEEP A CHECK ON WHATEVER YOU POST
Spread positivity around. And spreading fake news, posts, and rumors is certainly not the way to go about it. Always do a fact check before posting something, ensure it doesn’t harm anybody or target some community. As consumers and creators, it’s our job to keep social media a safe and positive place for each and every human being out there!
7. FOLLOWERS AND CONNECTIONS ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH FRIENDS
The people who have stuck by you throughout these years, your parents, your family and friends deserve your time and attention. Spend time with the real ones, strengthen existing bonds and make memories. This is what matters at the end of the day, not the number of people who like or comment on your post.
In the end, always keep in mind, “All that glitters is not gold”!