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According to research by Cigna, 71% of Americans report feeling lonely due to their heavy social media use. This is because, for all the benefits of social media, it has also created a culture that inadvertently promotes dismissing one's own efforts and achievements in pursuit of obtaining what others have. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
In this article by Z Squared Studio, we explore how to overcome the influence of social media and improve your confidence and self-perception.
Focus on Your Achievements
Constantly comparing your achievements with others will make you stressed and unsatisfied. Instead of trying to emulate what others are doing, it’s more important to take a step back and reflect on things that you have achieved. This could be obtaining a degree, landing your dream job, becoming a published writer, learning how to play an instrument, etc.
The best way to remind yourself of your achievements is to list them down, whether on a piece of paper. As you achieve new feats keep adding them to your list. On days when you feel low on confidence, read your list to remind yourself of all the amazing things you have achieved in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Detox from Social Media
If the idea of being off social media sounds like an impossible task, it’s a clear indication that you need to limit your usage. Apps such as Instagram and Facebook are designed to keep users online for as long as possible. Additionally, it also makes one seek constant validation for their actions in the form of likes or shares, leading to reduced self-worth and stress.
Here's how you can undergo a social media detox:
Decide on the number of days you will be offline, which can be for a week or a few months.
Plan how you will spend your time. Ideally, focus on self-growth activities such as reading, exercising, spending time with family, etc.
Delete all social media apps from your phone
Communicate to family members and friends regarding your decision. This will help keep you in check at times when you slip up.
Overcome FOMO
Popularly known as the fear of missing out, it refers to the idea that others live a better life, are happier, and have better experiences compared to you. Consistently deliberating about what others are doing can lead to a depletion of self-esteem and make one envious.
While social media is often branded as the lead cause of FOMO, according to research by SCL Health, finding a missed opportunity through family or friends can lead to the same amount of FOMO as a social media post.
Your detox will help significantly towards overcoming FOMO, however here are a few more things you will need to do:
Create real connections with friends, plan to meet in person to pursue activities that you enjoy
Take your memories offline. Print pictures and keep them in a journal along with a description, just like a caption. This will help to learn how to appreciate your memories without the validation of others.
Learn to practice mindfulness through meditation or taking a walk. This allows you to focus on the present, have clarity of thought, and overcome stress.
Set Some Goals
While we are used to following goals at work, they are often set by others for us. Hence, even on achievement, it lacks the sense of satisfaction goals should provide.
If you are tired of putting in the effort without any rewards, a viable solution is to start your own business. There are various lucrative home-based opportunities you can explore such as – drop shipping, selling handmade products, print-on-demand service, tutoring, and more.
Running a business will be challenging; however, as you face challenges, you will become aware of your stress triggers such as having a meeting, making presentations, etc. The best method to overcome these is to follow a healthy lifestyle which includes eating right, sleeping well, and dedicating time towards physical activity. You can also boost your confidence by getting schooled up on the latest business concepts – including leadership, entrepreneurship, and administration – by taking online courses. Getting an advanced degree like an MBA can put you over the top in terms of success and legitimacy.
Achieving your business goals will tremendously boost confidence, and help you develop a healthy relationship with stress.
The key to building confidence is to limit the role of social media in your life, focusing on being the best version of yourself and pursuing goals that bring you value.
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