Comparison is a human impulse. It can be helpful but it can also be destructive if not kept in check. In the age of social media, this balance can be very hard to find. Flooded with images daily, social media comparison can be damaging to both your self-esteem and your mental health.
We've got a couple of ideas that you can break the social media comparison
✓ Recognise the problem
We often start comparing ourselves to others without even realising we are doing it. Once we become more aware and conscious about doing it, we can then find ways to avoid or stop it from happening.
✓Tidy up your Social Media Feed
Look through who you are following. If they make you feel bad about yourself and your body it may be time to unfollow, and follow someone how makes you feel good about yourself and your body.
✓Replace your scrolling habit
Social media comparison is as much a physical habit as a mental one – you may be clicking on that app every moment of your free time without even really thinking about it, so putting an alternative in place will help. Grab a book, or simply drink a glass of water, can stop you from spending so much time scrolling aimlessly.
✓Question what you read (and what you see)
Don’t fall for an Instagram version of others' lives. We all know that what we see is someones best highlight reel. It isn't necessary real, and therefore we're comparing ourselves against a false narrative.
✓Take a break
Not always easy to do, but take some time off social media. Even if it’s not looking at your phone till mid-day or you may be able to take a longer break. A week, or a month off. It can be really helpful.
Founder of Cotswolds Counselling. Cotswolds Counselling is based in Malmesbury near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Helping children and teenagers from Cirencester, Tetbury, Stroud, Cheltenham, and surrounding areas
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