If you have been on any social media platforms you probably have noticed #Goals. Although social media outlets can be a great source of information and inspiration, it can also trigger feelings of shame and defeat. Our social media outlets constantly reminds us of our shortcomings as it relates to #GOALS with relationships, careers, fashion, hair to name a few. I recently took the plunge and deleted my Facebook account. It’s been almost 30 days since I deleted the account and I have enjoyed texting or calling family and friends to check in on them and hear updates that I normally would see on their Facebook account. It has felt more validating than a like, follow or a mention ever had.
How much screen time do you engage in during the day? According to Huffpost, Social media has been linked to higher levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety, depression, narcissism and decreased social skills. Our personal short and long term goals can be diminished by the bright light that filters that make the grass seem greener. We compare our friends’ stories and post of romantic weekend getaways, family outings and slaying the perfect selfie to our own lives and are left feeling empty and inadequate. Ironically, instead of decreasing our intake of these images we go in deeper, almost like being in a trance.
As we embark on a new year and close out the old, consider breaking the trance and making new HashtagGoals. Consider the notion that YOU, are enough! Take that in for a moment, You Are Enough and worthy of happiness. To supplement that new belief system and help limit social media screen time here are some tips:
Temporarily remove social media apps from your device for 1 day, then 3 days, maybe a try week
Delete, unfollow or hide feeds and post that don’t inspire or uplift you
Download a positive affirmation app, gratitude or mindfulness app
Host a vision board party
Find a Podcast that sparks your interest