It’s time to take spring cleaning to social media

If you’re becoming critical of yourself, it might be time to update what and who you follow. — Health vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com

Spring cleaning usually pertains to cleaning one’s closet or entire living quarters. Some might even clean out their pantry and refrigerator in hopes of starting off the new season on a new diet. As we do a deep cleanse all around us, why not keep that same energy and clean up our social media feeds?

Approximately 77% of Americans have social media accounts — and studies show that there’s a link between social media usage and depression anxiety, lower self-esteem and poor sleep.

If you open your Instagram, Twitter or any other social media app and you feel a bit down in the dumps, you might benefit from a deep clean.

Limit the competition

It might seem weird to think that you’re in competition with your friends or the celebrities you might follow on your social media accounts. However, the truth is comparison comes naturally. Whether we do it on purpose or internally, sometimes “the grass is greener on the other side” motto isn’t all what it seems.

Don’t knock down your accomplishments because a complete stranger with millions of dollars bought another dream house, or your last single friend just announced their engagement, or someone is yet on another vacation. If you’re becoming critical of yourself, it might be time to update what and who you follow.

Update what and who you follow

Follow accounts with beautiful scenic views, positive affirmations, organization accounts, something inspiring to get you thinking positive and creative instead of self-tailored thoughts.

When following a feel good account, you’re likely to increase happy hormones and allow your body to have a happy moment or positive meltdown. There are plenty of great accounts to add to your follow list to help uplift and boost your mood.

@AnimalsDoingThings: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

@PowerofPositivity: Instagram, TikTok

@HelloGiggles: Instagram

@ABowlFullOfLemons: Instagram

#NoFilter

Snapchat dysmorphia is when a filter changes your entire appearance, making you look “digitally perfect.” Your blemishes are gone, nose is smaller, skin brighter and face rounded off, and this trend is taking over. Fifty-five percent of facial plastic surgeons said patients have requested cosmetic procedure to look better on social media, an increase of 13% from 2016, according to data from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Even Khloe Kardashian, who recently took to social media to express her hurt over an image that was posted of her without her permission, struggles to have a certain image of herself maintained online. Taking off the filter and truly seeing yourself for the beauty that’s captured through the lens will help reassure you that you never needed a filter to begin with.

Keep certain things private

Self doubt, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety can be caused by oversharing. A term called FOMO — fear of missing out — also leads to extreme dissatisfaction when we aren’t included in certain activities. Studies show that when some don’t receive the appropriate amount of likes and comments on a post it can lead them to believe they are unliked by their peers.

Spring cleaning our homes is great, healthy and helps us feel better. Taking that same mindset to social media can help us cleanse mentally and emotionally. – Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Tribune News Service