Social media has a sneaky way of making us feel like crap about ourselves. I noticed it most after welcoming my first baby, Nola. My feed was flooded with these impossibly polished moms—perfect hair, spotless homes, and waists that seemed to bounce back to pre-baby size faster than I could finish my morning coffee. Meanwhile, three months after giving birth, I was still wearing my maternity leggings and sweatshirt as a daily uniform, wondering what I was doing wrong. Why was my house always a mess? Why couldn’t I pull it together?

Of course, I eventually got the hang of first-time motherhood, but the comparison game didn’t stop. From influencers who seem light-years ahead in their careers to couples who never seem irritated with each other (unlike me and my husband during the post-dinner clean-up argument), social media kept finding ways to make me feel less-than.

The Double-Edged Sword

Yes, social media can bring us together. It’s how you and I connected, right? It’s a great tool for sharing important causes and staying in touch. But let’s be honest—it also bombards us with curated perfection that feels unattainable. It’s exhausting, especially during the start of the new year when everyone is striving to become the “best version” of themselves.

Let’s Declutter Our Feeds

Here’s an idea: why not approach social media like we approach New Year’s resolutions? If a certain influencer or account makes you feel inadequate, it’s okay to unfollow or mute them—life changes, and so do our needs. Maybe you started following someone during a different phase of life, but now, their content just isn’t serving you. That includes me too! If I’m not adding value, hit that mute button—no hard feelings.

This also applies to friends and family members, but that’s a conversation for another day.

Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health

Studies have shown that heavy social media use can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem. According to a 2018 study by the University of Pennsylvania, limiting social media use to about 30 minutes a day can significantly improve mental health. We have control over this tool—not the other way around.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Feed

1. Unfollow or Mute: If a person’s content doesn’t inspire, educate, or bring you joy, let them go.
2. Curate with Intention: Follow accounts that align with your current goals—whether it’s financial planning, fitness tips, or skincare recommendations.
3. Set Time Limits: Apps like Instagram and TikTok allow you to set daily usage limits. Stick to them.
4. Take a Social Media Break: Use the time to focus on your own goals, whether it’s learning a new skill, reconnecting with loved ones, or just enjoying a book.
5. Engage Positively: Comment, like, and share posts that genuinely resonate with you. Be intentional about creating a positive online space.

Basically, What I'm Trying To Say Is...

Social media is a tool, and like any tool, it’s only as helpful as the way we use it. By taking stock of who and what we follow, we can make sure our feeds are sources of inspiration, not insecurity. So go ahead, declutter that feed. Your mental health will thank you. And if you find yourself missing a dose of social media chaos, just know I’ll still be here—maternity leggings and all.

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