Hands UP anyone who's ever fallen into that never-ending comparison sink-hole any time you open Instagram? Does it go like this..."Oh just a little look.... five mins later, you feel like shit but it's bearable... still scrolling... ten minutes later and now all of a sudden you hate your life and you click out of it totally deflated and think my life sucks I now have to go change everything"

Ha ha ha. I laugh at this now but holy cow sometimes that's exactly how I think, feel and act! And maybe that's why we have some pretty strict Insta rules in our house. Thank heavens for these rules because not only is social media deadly addictive the comparison "hang-over" is enough to cause our nervous system to go in complete shutdown. 

Honestly, some days I wish I could shut it down. But believe it or not, I can't! So here are a few things that help me stay out of the comparison sink-hole and help me recover quickly form the hang-over PLUS keep my eye on MY prize and keep me striving toward my idea of success. 

How to Stay Out of the Comparison Sink-Hole 101:

1. Turn OFF notifications
I've said this before but I'll say it again, TURN OFF your social media notifications. Yep. No binging or tinging or flashing or whatever. Turn off those distracting, time wasting, cortisol releasing notifications and remain focused on your life (and dreams + aspirations) and check in only when it suits you.

2. Only open the app with a PURPOSE.
These purposes look like this; one, to post and two, reply to comments. That's it! And no, scrolling and stalking are not purposeful! Also, make it hard to even open the app. My girlfriend has Instagram on the very last page on her home screen hidden inside a little folder. It takes her roughly five swipes and taps to get there but by swipe four she's had time to check in and realise, no, Instagram can wait and she's saved by the fifth swipe and avoids it totally. I mean, what a champion!

3. Unfollow accounts that don't make you feel good.
And you know which ones they are. Anytime an account floats by and it triggers something in you that doesn't feel good in your body or brings up an unpleasant emotion then go in an unfollow. This doesn't mean you can't check in to this account on your own accord, by all means, do, but it pays to be conscious of how you feel. Be honest, don't torture yourself with accounts that don't serve you. 

4. Be realistic. 
I find that if have a little episode and if I'm feeling inadequate I always like to remind myself. One, people, most of the time, only show and tell the good stuff. Two, photos can be edited to an INCH of their lives and three, no life is perfect, no matter how well people 'post' them. I've learnt to look at the BIG picture. 

5. Come back.
Lastly, to move through the comparison hang-over, you know that time after you've checked out and you feel serious down in the dumps, it's a good idea to run through your head or even jot down on a piece of paper all the awesome things you have in your life AND this includes all your achievements as well. You know that saying.. when you stop and look around, what you have and who you are is pretty freaking amazing. 

There you go. High-five yourself, give yourself a hug and remember that it doesn't matter who you are there is always going to be someone with more. More money, more likes, more followers, more comments, more pimples, more dirty washing - so, sister you are okay. Everything is always okay. 

Love, Sandra-Lea xx