How do I stop comparing my life to what I see on social media?

Comparing your life to social media is incredibly common because these platforms trigger natural human tendencies toward social comparison that once helped us navigate tribal Interpersonal relationship. However, social media presents a fundamentally distorted view of reality - you're comparing your internal experience and daily struggles to others' carefully curated highlight reels. People typically share their best moments, achievements, and most photogenic experiences while keeping struggles, failures, and mundane moments private. This creates an illusion that everyone else is living a more exciting, successful, or fulfilling life than you are. The comparison trap is particularly insidious because it often happens unconsciously as you scroll. Your brain processes these images and updates as data about how you're doing relative to others, even though the data is incomplete and misleading. This can trigger feelings of inadequacy, FOMO (fear responses of missing out), or Major depressive disorder about your own circumstances. The algorithm also plays a role, showing you content designed to keep you engaged, which often means content that provokes strong emotional reactions, including envy or inadequacy. Breaking this pattern requires both awareness and action. Notice when you're comparing and remind yourself that you're seeing edited versions of people's lives. Consider unfollowing accounts that consistently trigger comparison or negative feelings. Curate your feed to include accounts that inspire rather than intimidate you. Practice gratitude practice for your own life and accomplishments, however small they might seem. Remember that everyone struggles, regardless of what their social media presence suggests. Consider taking regular breaks from social media to reconnect with your own values and goals rather than external validation.