Finding balance on social media can be a game-changer for our mental well-being, and that’s a realization I came to recently. A couple of years back, I created an Instagram account, and honestly, I was pretty clueless about how to navigate it. To this day, I still haven’t figured out how to post an IG story. My approach has been simple: I share the occasional photo and caption, using the platform mainly for inspiration.
On this account, I curtail my following to celebrities, beauty enthusiasts, and body-positive influencers. Each post I see is there because it either entertains or uplifts me. Sometimes I keep certain accounts for a while, while others fade out after just a few weeks. Instagram has become my source of inspiration, and I genuinely enjoy it.
In the past, I was drawn to accounts featuring people who had transformed their bodies, often subscribing to diet trends and weight loss surgeries. My feed was filled with low-fat recipes, low-carb snacks, and “motivational” quotes that only served to shame me for simply enjoying food. I’d scroll through countless images of women who had slimmed down, working out and drinking green smoothies, hoping that by immersing myself in that culture, I’d find the drive to change.
However, over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my body as it is. Instead of surrounding myself with images that trigger comparison, I now seek out messages that affirm my worth right where I am. I stopped adhering to the narrow standards of wellness culture and recognized that there isn’t just one ideal body type. Diet culture had left me feeling hollow and in pain, so I chose to step away. I acknowledged my body’s capacity for movement, nutritious eating, and overall health, realizing that I deserve to feel good regardless of my size.
Changing My Perspective
Why should I wait to express my happiness until my body looks a certain way? Why should I believe that my worth is tied to being thin? By changing the messages I consume, I’ve altered how I view my own body.
My current feed is filled with diverse representations of beauty: women of all shapes and sizes, women of color, trans individuals, and even men. I actively seek out accounts and hashtags that convey the message that all bodies deserve love and acceptance. While I support those who choose to pursue weight loss, I believe everyone has the right to decide what’s best for their body.
This shift has allowed me to cultivate a healthier relationship with social media. I now view the world as a place where I belong, and I embrace imperfection as a natural part of life. I feel happier and more mentally stable than I ever have.
Revamping My Online Experience
Recently, I started revamping my Facebook feed to mirror my Instagram experience. I’m following people and pages that enrich my understanding and foster positivity. Any groups or pages that induce negativity? They’ve been removed. I’m also steering clear of mom bloggers who present a picture-perfect life while claiming to keep it “real.” Fitness accounts that use larger bodies solely as cautionary tales? They’re out too. Anything that brings me down is no longer welcome.
It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve found that this effort leads to a more peaceful online existence. When social media feels less like a burden, my life offline improves too. Since social media is an integral part of my life and work, I can’t abandon it entirely. However, I can transform my experience into one that feels inviting rather than overwhelming.
Setting Boundaries
While I strive to create an online space that feels safe, I’m also mindful not to create an echo chamber. It’s important to embrace a variety of perspectives, but you can also set boundaries on what you allow into your mental space. Echo chambers can be dangerous, breeding misinformation and harmful ideologies. It’s essential to be informed, but it’s equally important to protect your mental well-being.
If social media sometimes leaves you feeling stressed, I encourage you to curate your experience. Social media is a part of our reality; it significantly influences our mental and emotional states. If you wouldn’t tolerate negativity in your immediate surroundings, there’s no reason to accept it online. You are deserving of a space that reflects your worth.
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Conclusion
In summary, curating my social media has dramatically shifted my perspective and improved my mental health. Surrounding myself with positivity and diverse representations of bodies has helped me embrace my own. It’s a journey worth taking, and I encourage everyone to reassess their online environments for a happier, healthier experience.