I first started my blogging journey in 2014 during my third year of medical school. I’ve always been a creative person but with the commitment and sacrifice that comes with becoming a doctor, the energy I was able to dedicate to many activities outside of medicine was limited. When I was able to create content, I found it to be my own form of therapy. Through the last several years, I found an amazing community of support and friendships through social media. In general, I am a private person and do not share much of my personal life online. Finding that balance between sharing enough to create content while protecting your privacy can become challenging but social media has allowed us the opportunity to control our own narrative.
While social media platforms can provide opportunities for growth both personally and professionally, can it also create a level of insecurity? It’s amazing when I reflect on my childhood and adolescent years. Cell phones and social media were non-existent. I can’t imagine being in high school today and having access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and TikTok etc. Of course we all deal with insecurities in different capacities but how do we protect our physical and mental well-being and avoid comparing our journeys to what we may see on social media?
The comparison game can be a dangerous one. What I have found to be most helpful is disconnecting from time to time. As much as I love the network I have made on social media, I find it healthy to take breaks away from the apps. My inner circle knows that I go through phases where I only download the apps when I am interested in using them. I used to feel like I didn’t want to miss out on updates from followers and friends but I realized that if they wanted to share something important with me, they could simply call or text. A whole world existed before social media and can exist without. Disconnecting is healthy for your mental, physical and spiritual well-being and provides the opportunity to reset. As far as comparing your content to the content you see from others, keep in mind that people will display the best versions of themselves on social media. Of course this is natural. Many people utilize the platforms to enhance their brands so choosing the best photos to share is normal. You never truly know what someone is going through behind closed doors so before you judge what you see on social media, take a step back and reflect on your own self happiness. If you find yourself feeling more negative than positive energy when using the apps, maybe take a break to focus on yourself and your needs. As a female, I find it empowering to connect with other successful females and learn about their journey’s. I am always looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally and improve my own content. Continuing to uplift and support one another can help make the experience that much more enjoyable and positive. Just remember, we each have our own story and journey. How much or how little of it you choose to share with the world is entirely up to you. Taking breaks away to reset and recharge is entirely normal and may be the key to having a healthy relationship with social media.
