I’ve been thinking about the impact social media has on our wellbeing. It is up and down for a lot of people. A kind of love or hate relationship.
Depending on how you are feeling that time you look on FB or Instagram, what you are reading and seeing can set you up for the day. The tendencies seem to be that the majority of posts are about how great life is, which can be really uplifting and inspiring if you are in that mindset.
However, if you are a bit low and things aren’t going as well as you’d like in your own life, reading about others ‘perfect’ lives can be depressing and sometimes hurtful. Seeing photos from an event or gathering with lots of your friends and you were not included can be one of those hurtful moments.
The lives of our online friends can seem so different and more exciting and successful than ours. But are they really? What goes on behind those facades?
There has been a lot in the news about suicides amongst not only youngsters but also adults. Has this digital world got anything to do with this increase in deaths?
So how do we live with this phenomena? How can we handle our social media without allowing it to get us down?
I think self-esteem plays a big part. If our self-esteem is high, we can handle situations and rationalise feelings much better. We are able to push those thoughts aside and see that what is presented is not always what it seems. Also, even if it is amazing, we can be happy for those involved and not jealous.
Envy is fine, we all would like some things we don’t have but that is OK, this is life. Kids today need to learn from an early age that life is not always fair, it can’t be the same for everyone. Study, work and do your best to create the life you want to live.
So, here are a few tips on increasing our self-esteem:
Write a gratitude diary every night. I know it sounds funny but it is all part of feeding our brains with positivity.
Challenge any negative thoughts that pop in to your head. “Is this really true?”
Use mantras. “I can do this” , “I am a good person”, “ I am worthy”, yet again, feeding our brains with positive words has a great impact.
Exercise! Release those endorphins!
Get out, go into nature and be present! The feeling of being out and breathing fresh air is unbeatable.
Sleep. Give yourself and your body a chance to recover and recharge.
Enjoy your life, never mind what others do!!
