Escaping the Comparison Trap
Finding Wellness in the Age of Social Media
The digital age—where everyone's grass seems just a bit greener, their skies a tad bluer, and their children always smile for the camera. It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has their life perfectly pruned and watered.
“As a wellness coach and a mother who has navigated the unstable waters of comparison during my second pregnancy and early postpartum days, I’m here to share how cutting back on social media comparison has brought peace to my mind.”
How Comparison Became the New Neighborhood Gossip
Once upon a time, keeping up with the neighbors meant peeking over the fence. Now, it involves scrolling through endless feeds of picture-perfect moments. Social media platforms have become showcases of the best bits of life, carefully curated and filtered to gloss over the everyday chaos that we all experience. The result? A sneaky feeling of inadequacy that creeps in as we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel.
Comparison is the new Gossip
Comparison is the new Gossip
The Emotional Cost of a Filtered Reality
During the rollercoaster ride of hormones that was my second pregnancy —amidst a global pandemic—I found myself in a burnout state.
Every scroll through my feed added a layer of stress. Each picture of a serene, organized mother felt like a personal critique of my scattered baby toys and unwashed hair. I mean, how do these moms have the time to coordinate their outfits when I’m just trying to find two minutes to brush my teeth?
The Devil is in the Details
It's important to remember that while our paths may look similar from afar, they are never 100% the same.
The Devil is Always in the Details
The Devil is Always in the Details
—the small, little, unfiltered, unspoken, and most of the time non-published details that make each of our lives unique. We might both be mothers, yogis, or entrepreneurs, but the nuances of our lives are vastly different. Recognizing this helps dissolve the harsh light of comparison under which we often scrutinize ourselves.
Turning the Tide: Conscious Consumption
The game-changer? Updating my digital diet. It’s like I started to mirror my clean-eating, unprocessed food diet on my social media consumption. I began to treat my social media like my pantry—if it didn’t nourish, it was out.
I unfollowed accounts that triggered envy and followed more that offered laughs, support, and a healthy dose of reality.
I swapped envy for empathy, recognizing that behind every perfect post is a person who also has bad days and breakdowns.
How to Manage and Reduce Unhealthy Comparisons
1/ Curate Like a Critic:
Be ruthless with your follows. If an account doesn’t make you feel good, hit unfollow. Your mental space is prime real estate—don't let it go cheap!
2/ Count Blessings, Not Likes: Start a gratitude journal. It’s like social media for your soul, minus the ads and algorithms. Reflect on what you have, not what you think you lack.
3/ Define Your Own Success:
Set personal goals that realistic and aren’t influenced by online rivaling. Whether it's mastering a new yoga pose or just getting through the day without crying over spilled milk (literally), celebrate your real wins.
4/ Digital Detox: Set boundaries for your screen time. Think of it as intermittent fasting for your digital consumption. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish—or nap—when you’re not glued to a screen.
5/ Embrace the Chaos:
Invest time in activities that feed your soul, not just your feed. Whether it's a messy paint session with the kids or an improvised dance party in your living room, find joy in the imperfect moments.
6/ Talk it Out: If the comparison game gets too intense, a therapist can help. Think of them as a gardener for your mental health, helping you weed out the invasive thoughts and nurture your well-being.
Remember, It's All Fertilizer
Remember, It's All Fertilizer
Comparison, if left unchecked, can cloud our enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. By taking control of our social media habits and focusing on our own growth, we can reclaim our happiness and well-being.
We need to learn to appreciate our unique landscape.
Let's not let the fear of missing out rob us of the joy of missing out. After all, sometimes the grass is just greener because it's fake turf.
