By: Lucy DiChristina
Whether it is about college acceptances, family dynamic, vacation plans, or summer internships, it is coming to that time of year where, whether we like it or not, where there is an overload of content that constantly has people thinking “what am i doing wrong?” or “why cant my life be like theirs?”
This makes it the perfect time for an annual reminder of the little things that we can all
do to help stop comparing ourselves to others.
Get Outside
For me, comparing myself to others always comes at a time where I am feeling so much outside noise whether it be from social media or just inside my own head it is always helpful to disconnect and head outside. I always find that after even a brief walk or time relaxing outside I feel ready to go about my day with an entirely adjusted mindset. Walking can be a means to move your body but it can also double as a way to release built up tension and self-reflect on the different ways we can be affected by outside forces. As the season switches it is the perfect time for a quick stroll that can totally change the trajectory of your day, with every breath of fresh air letting go of the comparison circling in your head.
Limit Doom Scrolling
We have both the gift and curse of having access to millions of different walks of life literally at our fingertips. However, anything in excess begins to cause harm. I will be the first one to admit that doom scrolling is one of my favorite ways to relax after a long day. No matter how much it seems enjoyable there is a noticeable lasting relationship between doom scrolling and then beginning to compare yourself to others and develop a low self esteem.
There are so many healthy ways to replace this habit and shift the negative mindset of comparing yourself back into a positive one.
Find Pride in Yourself
The “Golden rule” is one of the first things that we learn in elementary school, but with age it
seems we need to remind ourselves of its premise. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” while these are words to live by, it is also important we must treat ourselves the way we want to treat others. Majority of the negative things that we say to ourselves we would never say to our best friends, so why is it that we feel so comfortable putting ourselves down? Every day we all do something to be proud of and sometimes that can simply be getting out of bed in the morning or giving yourself the grace to take off from our normal daily lives if we are feeling sick.
In any situation it is important we find this pride, recognize it, and use it to realize our full
potential without the context of outside forces
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