I recently realized that curating my social media experience was essential to improving my mental well-being. A few years back, I created an Instagram account, and to be honest, I’m not exactly a social media guru—I still struggle with posting stories. Instead, I mainly share photos and captions infrequently, using the platform mainly for inspiration.
On my account, I initially followed various celebrities, beauty influencers, and advocates for body positivity. Every post I encountered was selected because it either entertained me or sparked inspiration. Sometimes I hold on to certain accounts for a while, and at other times, I let them go after just a few weeks. For me, Instagram became a space to ignite my creativity.
In the past, I filled my feeds with accounts of people who had once been overweight but had transformed into thinner versions of themselves. I followed trending diets and weight-loss journeys, immersing myself in a cycle of low-fat recipes and “motivational” quotes aimed at shaming me into restrictive eating. I often opened my phone to endless images of women in slender bodies engaging in intense workouts while sipping on green smoothies, believing that by surrounding myself with this culture, I would somehow find the motivation to change.
However, over time, I discovered a more constructive approach to embracing my body as it is. Instead of focusing on images that represent bodies I perceive as “better,” I started gravitating toward messages that affirm my worth and encourage me to thrive in my current state.
I let go of my obsession with wellness culture, rejecting the notion that there is a singular, ideal way to inhabit a body. The relentless pursuit of diet culture was draining, leaving me feeling empty. I began to appreciate my own body, realizing that I could move, nourish myself well, and feel healthy without conforming to societal standards. Why should I wait until I fit a specific mold to express that I feel good about myself? Why accept the false narrative that I was unworthy until I slimmed down?
I shifted my mindset by changing what I allowed into my life, leading me to a healthier relationship with my body. Now, my feed showcases a diverse array of bodies in motion, enjoying nutritious foods, and wearing beautiful clothing—each unique in their own way.
I follow women of all sizes, races, and backgrounds, as well as trans women and individuals who express their identity through their appearance. I focus on uplifting messages that celebrate all bodies, and while I acknowledge that weight loss can be a valid journey for some, I believe everyone should have the autonomy to decide if and when they want to make changes to their shape or size.
This transformation has been empowering. I actively seek out hashtags and accounts that promote the idea that every body is valuable and beautiful. As a result, I’ve cultivated a healthier way to engage with social media, ultimately allowing me to feel like I belong in this world. Embracing imperfection has become a source of strength, and I find myself happier and more mentally resilient than ever.
A few months ago, I began to revamp my Facebook feed to mirror the positivity I found on Instagram. I started following accounts that enrich my mind and help me grow. Negative, snarky groups that made me feel bad? Gone. Mom bloggers who present a false sense of perfection? Out of my feed. Fitness pages that only depict fat bodies as cautionary tales? No longer welcome.
Eliminating content that brings me down has been a step toward achieving a more peaceful online existence. When my social media isn’t a source of stress, my offline life improves too. It’s a necessary change, especially since social media is an integral part of my job, and I want it to be a space that feels inviting rather than overwhelming.
While I’m creating a nurturing online environment, I’m careful not to isolate myself in an echo chamber. It’s important to balance the need for diverse perspectives with the necessity of protecting my mental health. I firmly believe that removing toxic influences doesn’t mean shutting out differing opinions; rather, it’s about setting boundaries for what I can accept.
If you find social media causes you stress, I encourage you to curate your experience. Social media is a reflection of real life, impacting your mental state and well-being. If certain content would be unacceptable in your physical space, you don’t have to tolerate it online. You deserve to feel spectacular.
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In summary, I’ve learned to curate my social media experience into a positive space that reflects my values and promotes my well-being. By surrounding myself with diverse and uplifting messages, I’ve found a healthier mindset toward my body and life.