In this technological age where everyone is constantly connected through tweets, status updates, and photos, there is the crushing weight of constantly comparing the seemingly perfect lives of those in the virtual world with our own daily reality. In our logical brain, we know it’s irrational to assume that the people we see on Instagram with designer handbags and 13k followers have perfectly flawless lives. Yet we continue to spiral down into this whirlwind of depression, anxiety, and sadness brought on by our constant comparison of our real lives with the assumed online profiles of others.

Here’s the problem; We are in a time in which technology has been deeply integrated into our daily lives. From cell phones to tablets, we are constantly caught up in social media and the anxiety it causes. When you constantly check and recheck what’s going on online and lose focus on your real life, it’s inevitable to start comparing yourself.

Your online friends are sharing the happiest moments of their lives. So, the new baby your brother just had, the trip to Bali your high school friends just took, the new house your boss just bought; you compare all those life achievements with what is happening in your real life. Even if you don’t want any of those things, it’s almost impossible not to feel the anxiety growing with each scroll.

But how do we fix this in a world of constant connection?

Gratitude

Before you log into your social media accounts in the morning, take a second to think about the good that’s happening in your own life. Be grateful and satisfied with what you have right now so you don’t go online looking for validation of your happiness. Remember that the best moments are spent living and not posting.

Social Media Detox

Detoxes are great because they are short, extreme ways to get all the junk out of your system. When it comes to social media, a detox can help you regroup and approach social media with a clearer mind. Just spend a present day in your life, no selfies, no filters, no witty comments. Go for a walk, read a book, enjoy your day without the stress of social media. Don’t value a moment based on how many likes it will get.

everything is a mirage

The first thing to understand about social media is that nothing is really what it seems. All photos, likes and statuses are a small piece of a big puzzle that you can’t see. That new car your college roommate just bought that she talked about isn’t going to include the tears, loans, and savings she had to put up to get there. Understand that for every magical, perfectly posed image on social media, there are at least 50 not-so-perfect moments that were instantly deleted.

Comparison on social media is a trap that can throw you into a realm of depression, sadness, and anxiety. Practice gratitude, establish a monthly detox, and understand that not everything online is what it seems and that you will be fine.