advice: the pressures of social media

It is no question that social media has almost taken over our lives. Every morning we wake up, check our phones, and see who has posted already. Brushing our teeth isn't the first thing we do anymore, checking Twitter is. Social media has become a huge part of our lives and, though it can be a space full of creativity, art, fashion, and beautiful friendships (and even relationships), social media can also come with a lot of negative baggage. In a world where everyone shares their lives, how do we compare? 

I know this post is different from what I have done before, but this week I want to talk about important issues that are dear to my heart and that I have wanted to talk about for a while. Obviously, social media is basically my job, and so I understand the pressures that it can have on us and our mentalities. And, I'm sure as we all know, social media most times isn't real. It is a version of ourselves that we want to share and express, which often means creating a perfect 'image'. I'm definitely guilty of this as I'm sure many of us are. So, I wanted to talk about how I distance myself away from social media on the days where I'm feeling like it has taken over my life.

The most important thing with social media is to realize that it is not always true and to accept that fact. I understand that Instagram and these platforms have become businesses now, and, as with any other business, influencers need to post everyday, make layouts, go to locations just so they can keep their business going with new content. It's not a bad thing, but it's just what it has become. With that said, I know that now we put pressure on ourselves to post everyday, to be creative, to always be doing something different. It does allow us to push ourselves and strive towards our goals, but when is it time to take a break and just breathe a little bit?

I know the best tip that I can give is to be proud of yourself and stop any negativity. I went through a period recently where I told myself negative things, that I couldn't compare, just because that is how I felt at the time. I made myself believe it. And that, my friends, is how you get yourself into a hole. We need to tell ourselves that people are where they are in their lives because that is what was meant for them, and that we will get there in time. I was looking and pining over people's lives, meanwhile they are 10 years older than me. That's when I took a step back and told myself over and over to stop comparing. We are young, we always have time. Whether you're my age (19) or 35, you still have time to become what you want to be. 

Comparison, I believe, is why social media does have a lot of negativity and pressure. We see everyone else's life and forget about our own and what we have built or accomplished for ourselves. All of our positivity goes out the window when we look at someone else's Instagram and say 'oh gosh, I wish that was me'. Like I've said in previous posts, it is great to have inspirations and people to look up to, but we need to draw the line when it is having a negative impact on our self esteem. If you find yourself feeling down after looking at someone's account, take a break. Distance yourself. Put your phone away for a little and go to dinner with a friend. I know what really helps me is posting a picture that I need to do, and then forgetting about it for the day. I'll check on it maybe before I go to bed. I love how that gives me the opportunity to take myself away from my phone and feel lighter. Usually during these times I like to spend quality time with Adam, go to the gym, get dinner with him. I don't like being glued to my phone when I'm with him, so I put it away. It is crazy how much of a difference it makes, and he appreciates it too. 

Going along with the comparison theme, what really helps is to make a list of goals you want to accomplish and goals you have already accomplished. Whether they are major or minor, it will help to put it all in perspective. How will you accomplish your own goals when you're pining over someone else's?  Be happy with yourself, create mood boards, surround yourself with inspirational pictures and save your favorite quotes. Clean out your closet, listen to new music. I know, what does that have to do with social media, but you'll see. Also, focusing on the numbers isn't good. Try not to pay attention to the amount of followers or other numeric measurements of 'success'. Focus on you and the message you want to get across. Focus on what makes you happy. You'll feel lighter and more focused and ready to take on who you want to be, one step after another.

Wow, I can't believe the length of this post! Obviously I had a lot on my mind hahaha. I really hope this helped and feel free to share your feelings below. Also let me know if there is something special you'd want to hear about. Stay tuned this week on my Tumblr for a post about spreading awareness of a very important issue that is relevant today. Much love to you all.