Discover these 6 ways to shake up your social media scrolling for a more positive experience and remember to pause and step away, even if it’s only for a short time.
When your social media feed is awash with images that make you question your appearance, opinions, or ability, remember to look up and out and appreciate there’s a world of beauty in difference. Walk through any park or glance in a café window and chances are you’ll see a lot of people staring at screens. Some might be studying; others could be texting, and many will seem hard at work.
Take a closer look, however, and – yes, you know this – a huge number of them will be swiping and scrolling through social media. They’ll be checking for updates of which celebrity or influencer is doing what, where they’re doing it, and what they look like.
They might also be posting to build their own following, touching up photos, and counting views and comments.
It’s a lot to keep on top of, which is why it’s so easy to get caught in a whirlwind of comparison as you stare at yet another seemingly perfect image. One minute you feel great about yourself, the next you’re wondering if your hair is right, your clothes look good, your grades are okay, and whether you have enough friends.
It isn’t that social media is all bad. It’s often brilliant. But sometimes it helps to remember that there’s lots to be learned from keeping an eye on what’s happening off-screen as well as on it.
Bringing an element of the offline into the digital world can bring unexpected benefits and remind you that you’re great just as you are.
Six ways to shake up your scrolling
1. Dare not to compare
No matter how many followers, comments, likes, or views you have, if you get trapped in a competitive mindset, it can turn into a bottomless pit because there’ll always be someone who has racked up more positive responses.
Try to bring your family and friends into the mix. Think of fun times you’ve had and kind things they’ve said to you. These moments are important. Use them to remind yourself that where you are is just right and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
2. Keep it positive
Give your time and attention to people doing inspiring things, spreading uplifting messages, and sharing unique and beautiful ideas. Be selective. If someone’s posts make you feel bad about yourself, click unfollow or mute.
3. Search for inspiration
Focus on topics you’re passionate about or areas that interest you – this can lead you to interesting people outside the world of celebrity and influencers. And there are so many things to discover! For example: you can discover the world of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese word for forest bathing (AKA spending a lot of time in green spaces and connecting with nature). Or want to learn more about the origins of croissants and how to make them? No problem. Ditto how to publish your own book, upcycle your clothes, or learn a new dance.
4. See through the facade
It’s no secret that many celebrities and influencers edit their images before posting. Some go to extreme lengths, making their eyes bigger, their nose smaller, their lips plumper, their teeth whiter. But we don’t really keep this in mind when we look at an image of a seemingly ‘perfect’ person.
This is where the real world provides some perspective. Look around you when you’re sitting in class or at a family get-together and see all the different and wonderfully interesting faces that are full of character and life. Observe the freckles, the scars, the bumpy noses, the natural hair, the uneven eyebrows. Look at the lines on a grandparent’s face. They’re all intriguing and all beautiful. And they’re all real.
5. Be authentic
Even if it seems the rest of the world isn’t showing their true selves, you can be different. Make your social media channels a reflection of who you are and what you believe in. Share your real, kind voice with the rest of the world, just as you do at home and with friends. You might just inspire others to do the same.
6. Take time out
When social media makes you unhappy or fills you with self-doubt, pause and step away, even if it’s only for a short time. Do something creative while you take a break, such as writing in a diary, drawing in a sketchbook, or painting a picture that will help your mind to focus on something else. Or, even better, spend time with a close friend who’ll remind you of all your good qualities, who’ll make you laugh, and be there for you when the celebrities and influencers are long gone.
Bringing an element of the offline into the digital world can bring unexpected benefits and remind you that you’re great just as you are.
Words: Monica Bond
