By Kristen Donia —
If you’re like many of us, you want to feel better and live happier in 2022. That can mean healthier eating goals, time spent outside getting fresh air, maybe more time being active, or a social media detox.
If you’re looking to stay on social media rather than take a full break yet still adjust the space to feel more positive, we got you girl.
Here are six ideas for how to edit your social media habit and make it an overall better, happier space to be.
Unfollow or Mute Accounts That Make You Feel Bad
You know those accounts that just…make ya feel yucky. Try using Instagram’s “mute” feature and take a break from those accounts for 30 days. You could even set a calendar reminder in your phone and check-in after those days have passed and ask yourself – Have I felt better/been happier/enjoyed not seeing this account? If the answer is yes, then you know what to do. Keep on keepin on girl.
Take in Posts With Your Own Filter
No, not lark, juno, or ludwig in the Instagram app. The kind of filter that helps you understand that most of the images you see are adjusted, filtered, and altered making waists smaller, lips bigger, and complexions clearer (and more). Remembering this acts as a guidepost for how seriously to take in the images you are seeing.
What’s Their Influence?
The influencers you follow are getting paid to show you products in their stories, posts, lives, and reels. And while some may actually use the products, many are in it for the influencer paycheck. Remember that when you feel the tug that you need this one thing and then you’ll be happy.
Remember Much of What You See is Content
The truth of the matter is, social media is full of content. Some is inspired and amazing to see and watch. Others, not so much. Let’s explore the differences.
Quality content adds something to your life. You leave feeling better and looking at things (including yourself) through a more beautiful lens.
Bad content leaves you feeling like you need a product (eyelash extensions) or a treatment facial/dermaplaning to feel worthy, enough, beautiful, or happy. These type of accounts and posts take away from our lives instead of adding to them. Because the real truth is, you need nothing to feel beautiful and worthy. (Even if that sweatshirt looks cozy or that moisturizer would help your dry skin.)
Play with Empowering Hashtags
Use the search feature and look up activities, groups, organizations and more that you find inspiring. It’s amazing what curating your feed can do for your daily mood.
Look at Follower Lists of People Who Inspire You
Some of our favorites are:
@morganharpernichols
@glennondoyle
@brenebrown
@thebirdspapaya
@theholisticpsychologist
@lisacongdon
@zeaink
@positivelypresent
@aliciamccarvell
@doc_amen
@selfloverainbow
@blcksmth
@jaiyajohn
What are you favorite accounts to follow for inspiration?
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Kristen Donia is a freelance writer living in a tiny house she built in sunny Southern Oregon. She has a Bachelors Degree in Education and has dedicated her life to studying and writing about empathy, vulnerability and enriching the human experience.