Edits for a Better Body Image – How Social Media Impacts Body Image

By now, social media has integrated itself into our daily lives.

Systems like screen time limits and self imposed timers may help us decrease our screen time and exposure to social media. However, at the end of the day, if you’re surrounding yourself with a toxic online environment, no matter how little time you spend scrolling, it can ultimately impact your mental health. 

Constantly being bombarded by images of bodies can definitely affect how we feel about our own. Especially depending on the messaging that is attached to these images. In addition, the amount of information that is shared on social media around diet, exercise, and changing your body can be overwhelming and sometimes even harmful.

So, how can we still enjoy social media in a way that is constructive and more healthy? Well, that’s what i am here to help with!

Tip 1: Unfollow

Start with an unfollowing spree!

Unfollow accounts that are no longer relevant to you and accounts that may emphasize toxic diet culture or unrealistic body image appearances.

Be mindful when you are scrolling. If you see a post that puts you in an uncomfortable mindset or shifts your mood, hit that unfollow button! 

Tip 2: Everything is Not Always What it Seems

Take everything with a grain of salt!

Just because an influencer is posting a “what I eat in a day video” does not mean that is actually what they are eating in a day. Further, with the rise of apps like Facetune and an increase in body editing,  you can’t always trust what you see.

Although it’s hard, it’s important to remember that social media is just a glimpse into someone’s life and is often a “highlight reel” where people tend to leave out the not so glamorous parts or the photos taken in “bad” lighting!

Tip 3: Put the Phone Down

Limit your screen time.

Social media has been proven to increase anxiety and decrease self esteem. Not to mention, we all know that starting at a screen for long periods of time is not benefical to our phiscal body either.

Cleansing your social media feed and limiting time spent online will help increase positive feelings of self esteem and increased body positivity. Instead, go for a walk, read a book, pick up an old hobby, or learn something new!

Tip 4: Follow Accounts that Make you Feel Good

Following more positive influencers and cleansing your feed to only include accounts that make you feel good is a simple step you can take to help improve your relationship with your body image, mental health and so much more.

Looking for accounts that make you feel comfortable in your own skin and promote body positivity? Check out some recommendations below for Instagram accounts that will help you feel good about yourself when you scroll:

-@alissarumseyrd

-@headspace

-@dietitiananna

-@bodyimage_therapist

-@thewellful

-@theantidietplanI