Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Wellness

PRIVATE LIFE, HAPPY LIFE

Updated Published
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter.

Sometimes, social media can be of good use because with just one click you can discover new places. However, it can also be somewhat suffocating, which is why it is necessary to take breaks. We immerse ourselves so much in social media that we forget that there is always something beyond a post on Instagram, Facebook, X…

Of course we can use social media as a treasure chest of memories and that is not bad, because I have done it. I think that the problem begins when we compare our life with what we see on social media, and that can end up creating unpleasant situations like comparisons and low self-esteem. 

With comparison begins that indirect competition that you have to show the world what you have and sometimes it can result in the overexposure of oneself. So, if you find it difficult to let go of social media, here are some tips that have worked for me:

  1. Limit the use.

I understand that it is a bit complicated to completely stop using social media, it is almost impossible since we are used to spending many hours on them. You can start by limiting your use, the time you spend scrolling on the screen, and focus on what’s around you.

  1. Live life.

Social media isn’t everything. Sometimes, because of its influence, we forget to feel, to explore something more than a web page, and to enjoy the small pleasures that everyday life gives us. Live life to the fullest, that’s what it’s all about.

  1. Don’t overexpose yourself.

I know we love to share where we are, whether it’s because it’s pretty, relaxing, or aesthetic. Do not turn into a habit of posting where you are in real time, social media is a double-edged sword. Try to post where you are when you’re already leaving or when you’re no longer there. Your safety comes first, always.

  1. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

At the end of the day, it’s your profile. Don’t try to please anyone, let everything you share be because it really interests you, motivates you, or inspires you. If someone doesn’t like the content you share, they can stop following you, it’s not rocket science.

  1. Don’t compare yourself.

You are unique. You can never be like someone nor can someone be like you, and that is a point in your favor. Believe me when I tell you that each person is unique, with unique tastes. Create an environment that gives you satisfaction to see, not one where it is a comparison with anyone.

My intention is not for you to stop using social media, because I would be lying to you and myself. With this, my intention is to create awareness of how much social media can affect us to the point that we stop living our life, because of the comparison. The life you want is the one you work for, don’t let a post or a story that will disappear in 24 hours tell you how you should be.

Julianis Gracia Ruiz is a writer at Her Campus at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. She writes monthly articles mostly related to experiences or feelings that may be happening in college and in Her20’s, where she promotes the importance of mental health and shares some tips for improving ourselves. Beyond Her Campus, Julianis is a member at the Industrial Microbiology Student Society (SEMI) where she learns every week about topics of science in the industry and attends different educational talks. She is currently a junior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, majoring in Industrial Microbiology. In her free time, Julianis enjoys listening to music and discovering new motivational podcasts. She also enjoys baking and trying new recipes most of the Sundays. Julianis shares a special bond with the beach, that's the place where she feels more at peace. She likes to go on road-trips and discover new local places such as coffee shops, restaurants and stores and take pictures for the memories.