I recently realized that reshaping my social media experience was essential for my mental well-being. A couple of years back, I created an Instagram account, and let’s just say I’m no social media whiz. I still don’t understand how to post an IG story! I mostly share the occasional photo and caption, using the platform to seek out inspiration.
I follow a mix of celebrities, beauty enthusiasts, and body-positive advocates. My feed is curated to entertain and inspire me, with some accounts sticking around for ages while others fade away after a few weeks. Instagram has become my space for creativity and motivation, and I’ve grown to appreciate it.
In the past, my feed was cluttered with images of people who had transformed from larger to thinner bodies. I chased after every diet trend and surgery hashtag, resulting in a newsfeed full of low-fat recipes and motivational quotes that seemed to shame me into not eating. I would scroll through endless images of women working out and sipping green smoothies, hoping that by immersing myself in that world, I could gain the motivation to transform myself.
However, over the years, I’ve found a healthier perspective towards my body. Instead of surrounding myself with ideals of “better” bodies, I’ve opted for messages that affirm my worth right now, just as I am. I stopped idolizing wellness culture and rejected the notion that there’s only one way to have a body. The emptiness of diet culture was no longer acceptable, so I left it behind. I took a good look at my own body and acknowledged that I am capable of movement and nourishing myself in a way that feels right.
Why should I wait until I’m smaller to celebrate how I feel? Why buy into the lie that I’m unworthy until I achieve a certain size? By changing the input I allowed into my mind, I began to change how I perceived my own body.
Now, I still see countless images of bodies in motion, enjoying fresh foods, and showcasing stylish outfits—but they come in all shapes and sizes. I follow individuals of all body types: thin women, plus-size women, women of color, trans women, and those with different abilities. My social media diet is now rich with messages that celebrate all bodies as worthy. While I believe there’s a place for weight loss narratives, I respect each person’s right to determine if their body needs change.
I actively seek out hashtags and accounts that help train my brain to recognize beauty in every form. And it’s been effective. I’ve cultivated a positive relationship with social media, allowing me to see the world as a place where I belong. Embracing imperfection is now part of my life philosophy.
A few months back, I also began adjusting my Facebook feed to mirror the positivity of my Instagram. I’m focusing on people and pages that enrich my understanding and broaden my horizons. Any group that leaves me feeling drained or negative? Unfollowed. Mom bloggers who pretend to be relatable while showcasing their perfect lives? No thanks. Fitness accounts that reduce plus-size bodies to cautionary tales? Not anymore.
I’m on a journey toward a less stressful online existence, and I’ve noticed that when my social media interactions are positive, my offline life improves too. Social media isn’t going anywhere, and since it’s part of my job, I can’t completely disengage from it. But I can shape my online environment into one that feels inviting and empowering.
While I strive to create a welcoming online space, I also understand the value of diverse viewpoints. It’s important to avoid creating an echo chamber, as it can lead to misinformation and harmful ideologies. Embracing a variety of thoughts is crucial, but I also recognize my right to set boundaries for my mental health.
If social media ever feels overwhelming, I encourage you to curate your experience. Social media reflects real life; it influences your emotions and mental state. You don’t have to tolerate content that makes you feel less than amazing. Your worth is undeniable, and you deserve a space that reflects that.
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Summary:
In a journey of self-acceptance, the author shares her experience of reshaping her social media interactions by unfollowing harmful ‘motivational’ accounts and focusing on body positivity. By curating a feed that celebrates all body types and diverse perspectives, she has created a healthier online space that enhances her mental well-being.
Keyphrase: social media curation
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