“Escape the Comparison Trap: How to Safeguard Your Mental Health from Social Media”

Today, I am diving into a topic that affects most of us in this digital age: the dreaded “Comparison Trap” on social media.

Areeba Writes
ILLUMINATION
3 min readJul 30, 2023

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Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

We all know that feeling when we scroll through our feeds and see picture-perfect lives, incredible achievements, and seemingly endless happiness. But guess what? It’s time to stop the comparisons and prioritize our mental health. Let’s talk about how to safeguard your sanity and well-being while using social media.

Remember, it’s all about highlight reels:

First and foremost, remind yourself that what you see on social media is often a curated selection of people’s best moments. People usually share their accomplishments, exciting events, and happy times, but that’s not the complete picture of their lives. Behind those picture-perfect posts, everyone faces challenges, insecurities, and setbacks. So, don’t compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

Limit your time on social media:

While social media can be fun and informative, excessive usage can affect your mental health. Set aside specific time slots for scrolling and stick to them. Create a healthy balance between your online and offline life. Engage in activities that nurture your soul and connect with real-life friends and family. Remember, life is happening outside of the screen.

Curate your feed:

Be mindful of the accounts you follow and the content you consume. Unfollow accounts that make you feel flawed or unhappy. Instead, focus on following people who inspire and uplift you. Seek out accounts that promote positivity, body positivity, self-love, and mental health awareness. Your feed should be a place that enhances your well-being, not diminishes it.

Practice gratitude:

Gratitude is a powerful tool to combat the comparison trap. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life. This simple practice can shift your focus away from what you lack to what you have. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

Be real :

It’s tempting to present an idealized version of ourselves on social media, but authenticity is essential for genuine connections. Welcome your imperfections and share your true self. You’ll be surprised to find how many people appreciate your honesty and openness.

Reach out for support:

If you find yourself struggling with comparison or feeling overwhelmed by social media, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to your friends, family, or seek guidance from a mental health professional. Sometimes, a supportive conversation can make a world of difference.

Remember, social media can be an excellent tool when used mindfully. But by escaping the comparison trap and caring about your mental health, you can make your online experience more positive and enriching.

Embrace your uniqueness, and always remember that you are enough, just as you are.

So, let’s make a pact today to use social media wisely and cultivate a more compassionate and understanding online community. Together, we can create a digital space that uplifts and empowers us all.

Are you ready to join me on a journey to restore sanity in our chaotic world? If Yes! then just follow me Areeba Tejani

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Areeba Writes
ILLUMINATION

I am Areeba Jaweed, SEO Content Writer and Part-Time Blogger.