Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: As you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and/or Facebook timeline, notice when you start to feel frustrated, jealous, uneasy, or anxious. Is seeing what other people have stressing you out instead of inspiring you? Is it a specific person’s posts that cause you to feel this way? Is it a certain theme that bothers you? Dates. Vacations. Marriages. Happy Teenagers. “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out) is a real thing and has grown since social media has become a daily part of our lives. Comparing yourself with others and what you have (or don’t have) is a dangerous slope and can take a negative toll on your well-being and self-confidence. Being aware of these things is a great first step to overcoming your feelings of envy.
STEP 2: Determine if you need to be friends with the people that are causing these feelings. If not, un-follow or un-friend them. If you want to remain friends online, then recognize that you are seeing a snapshot of their life that THEY want you to see. Pictures behind closed doors may look very different. It is important to use social media for more than to passively view other people’s lives, possessions and accomplishments—utilize your social media platform to post the things you enjoy about your journey and how grateful you are for the blessings in your life.
STEP 3: If it continues to bother you, decrease the time you spend online. Since it is not bringing you joy, limit it and spend your newfound time on things that bring you joy.
STEP 4: Talk with a friend about the way your social media usage is making you feel. They may share that they have a similar feeling and may have additional suggestions for you. Look at this as an opportunity to hold each other accountable to using social media in a more positive, mindful way.
STEP 5: Make a list of things you are grateful for in your life. It will remind you that although life is not perfect, there are still many blessings you are able to enjoy. Once you create your list, get to posting. You might be surprised how much better you feel about your life (as well as your online presence) when you are getting positive feedback about your own life.
