Hey babes! It’s a Magic Monday here in Los Angeles, and I aint mad about it. The weather here has been getting warmer, and I’m absolutely loving it. Today on the blog, I thought I would talk about how to deal with the world of social media, and how it impacts our lives as bloggers and Influencers.

On one hand, I truly believe that social media can be amazing. You can make new friendships, and become inspired through other people. There is definitely a beauty in the world of technology. But there is also a ton of stress that comes from social media.  Let’s be real for a second – we have all scrolled through Instagram and other platforms for hours like it’s our job. We sometimes compare ourselves to others, and end up feeling bad about ourselves. It can be so hard to not compare, especially when you are working so hard to achieve your own success. I know what it’s like to scroll through the gram and feel like I wasn’t working hard enough. Then I would have my bad days and not want to touch or post anything on social media. It can be tough girl, I get it! So in this post I want to share some helpful tips that can help you overcome the stresses of our digital world, and focus on loving yourself.

Start your day with love, not technology – if you watch my Insta stories, then you know that I always tell my followers to wake up without grabbing their phones. I know many of us use our phone as our alarm, but charge your phone in another room, turn off your alarm, and walk away from your phone. Too many of us grab our phones as soon as we wake up and immediately check our social media. That’s a terrible habit babes, and it’s not the best way to start your day. Instead, start your day with you, and you alone. Make a cup of tea or coffee, grab your journal, and give yourself anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes of alone time. Call this your morning routine. Make it a routine – this way it’s going to become a habit. Every morning I do the following:

• Meditate – I close my eyes and focus on myself – the goals I want to achieve, the small milestones I want to conquer, and what I plan to do for the day. Meditation has no rules. It’s your time to just be. No phones, no distractions, just you in the present moment.
• Journal – I love writing in my journal. Sometimes I’ll write about how I’m feeling that morning, and other days I’ll write a gratitude list. I LOVE these lists, because it reminds me of everything that I do have, even when I think I have nothing. I think we’re all guilty of that sometimes. We always want more, when we really should be focusing on what we already do have.
• Exercise – I find it easier to exercise in the morning. You can do a quick 15 minute workout from home, or go outside for a run. Anything to wake your body up and get yourself moving. Our body requires at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, so make it happen!

Create a daily routine, and do your best to stick to it – If it’s one thing that has literally saved me – it’s having a routine. Consistency is key in everything that I do. I use a system called block scheduling. My day works in blocks, not hours. Having a block schedule helps me focus on the important things, and it also limits my time on social media. For example, I might schedule an afternoon walk. The only app running on my phone is Spotify. I have my headphones in and I simply ignore all technology. I’m not answering texts, scrolling through Instagram, or checking emails. It’s just time for me and mother nature. I would suggest you do any physical or recreational activity in the middle of the day. Give your mind and body a chance to take a break and focus on something fun for yourself.

Only follow accounts that inspire you! Not ones that make you feel bad – This is so important. I’m gonna be real with you babes. I have muted or unfollowed accounts of people who bring no positive or beneficial impact to me and my life. And no, it’s ont being petty or childish. It’s simply looking out for yourself. Just like in real life, who you choose to surround yourself with also applies to social media. It’s ok to hit the block or unfollow button!

Give yourself positive affirmations – Every day give yourself a healthy dose of some positive self-talk. “Today, I am amazing.” “I will achieve my goals today.” “I am proud of myself for making it this far.” “I am so grateful for the gift of life.” This may seem like a silly task at first, but trust me it really can help with your overall confidence and self-esteem.

Talk to a friend, or someone else about your feelings – I have no idea where I’d be if I didn’t have my close circle of amazing friends. I talk to one of my BFF’s every day – whether its through a phone call or a text. She is always there for me when I need to vent or need her to listen. It’s so important to find someone in your life who can be that shoulder for you.

I hope these few tips have helped you, and made your realize that social media is not everything. It’s simply a fraction of our lives. We use technology and the digital world to connect with others and become inspired through others. Don’t let it be the end all. If at any point social media gets too much, take a break. It’s ok to tell your audience that you’re going away for a week or two. Be honest with yourself, and listen to what your body and mind is telling you.

and I’ll catch you in the next one. See you right here, next week. All my luv!