I used to be a slave to comparison, always measuring myself against the polished lives I saw online. It was a destructive cycle that left me feeling inadequate.
But then I discovered a game-changer – daily habits. Adopting new practices helped me break free from this toxic cycle of comparison.
Now, I want to share with you the 8 daily habits that helped me stop comparing myself to others online. These simple, yet transformational habits, could help you too – if you choose to let them.
Let’s dive in.
1) Limiting my screen time
One of the biggest culprits that fed my comparison habit was the sheer amount of time I spent online. It was easy to get lost in an endless scroll of perfectly curated lives.
Screen time had to be the first thing to go.
It wasn’t easy, but I began by setting a daily limit for myself. I swapped hours on social media for engaging in real-life activities.
The less time I spent online, the less I compared myself to others. The mental load of trying to measure up started to lift.
By setting boundaries on my screen time, I took the first step towards breaking the cycle of comparison.
And you know what? It’s a move that you could consider too, if you’re ready to step away from the constant comparison game.
2) Practicing gratitude
As I began to limit my screen time, I noticed I had more space in my day. But I also noted a void, a need to fill the time with something meaningful. That’s when I started a gratitude practice.
Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone to check social media, I reached for a journal and wrote down three things I was grateful for.
Over time, this habit shifted my focus from what others had to what I had. I began to appreciate my life more, flaws and all.
There was this one morning when my list included simple things like a good night’s sleep, a fresh cup of coffee, and a sunny day. It was then that it hit me – these were moments of joy that no online life could compete with.
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This practice of gratitude can be a powerful tool to counter the comparison trap. It helped me and it might just help you too.
3) Regular exercise
In an attempt to further fill my time and distract myself from comparing, I turned to regular exercise.
I wasn’t just swapping screen time for sweat time, there was a deeper reason for this. Exercise is known to release endorphins, those feel-good hormones that boost your mood.
What’s more, studies have shown that regular physical activity can increase self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. This was exactly what I needed in my fight against the comparison cycle.
So, I started jogging every morning. Not only did it improve my physical health, but it also gave me a confidence boost that no Instagram post could.
Making exercise a part of your daily routine might help you too in breaking the comparison trap.
4) Embracing impermanence
One of the key teachings of Buddhism that I found very helpful is the concept of impermanence.
This idea helped me appreciate that the ‘perfect’ lives I was comparing myself to online were also subject to change. Those people had their ups and downs just like everyone else.
Once I fully grasped this concept, it was easier to stop comparing my life to the seemingly perfect snapshots others posted online.
Incorporating this Buddhist teaching into your daily thought process could help you see social media in a new, healthier perspective.
5) Reality check
There was a particular moment that really drove home for me how skewed online portrayals can be. A friend posted a picture of a seemingly perfect family outing, all smiles and sunshine.
But I had been there that day. I knew the reality behind that picture – the kids were cranky, the weather was uncomfortably hot, and there was a family argument just before the photo was taken.
This experience was eye-opening for me. It made me realize that what we see online is often a filtered version of reality, not the complete truth.
Understanding this can help us let go of unnecessary comparisons. It’s a reality check we all could use from time to time.
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6) Engaging more, not less
Now, this might sound counter-intuitive, but bear with me.
While it’s important to limit screen time and avoid mindless scrolling, completely isolating yourself from social media might not be the answer.
Instead, I found that engaging more meaningfully online helped me break the comparison cycle.
I started commenting more on posts, having real conversations, and sharing my own authentic experiences.
The more I engaged in this way, the less I compared myself to others. Instead of being a silent observer of curated lives, I became an active participant in genuine interactions.
So don’t just quit social media – use it to connect authentically with others. This could be a powerful step in breaking the comparison cycle.
7) Focusing on self-improvement
Once I stopped comparing myself to others, I had more time and energy to focus on myself.
I started reading more, learning new skills, and setting personal goals.
Instead of wishing for someone else’s success or happiness, I started working on creating my own.
This shift in focus from others to myself was liberating. I felt less burdened by comparison and more driven to improve.
So instead of comparing yourself to others, try focusing on your own growth and development. You might find it’s a far more fulfilling path.
8) Practicing self-compassion
At the end of the day, the most important habit I cultivated was practicing self-compassion.
I learned to be kind to myself when I slipped back into comparison. I reminded myself that it’s a journey, not a destination.
Practicing self-compassion helped me navigate this process with understanding and patience.
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It’s important to remember that breaking the comparison cycle isn’t about achieving perfection, but about practicing kindness towards oneself.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey, not the destination
Breaking free from the cycle of comparison isn’t a one-time event. It’s a journey filled with moments of self-discovery, vulnerability, and growth.
Each habit I shared above played a significant role in my journey. But it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what worked for me may not work for everyone.
The cycle of comparison can be broken. It requires patience, self-compassion, and conscious effort. But above all, it requires the courage to step away from comparisons and embrace the unique journey that is your life.
As you embark on this journey, remember – it’s not about reaching a destination but about learning, growing, and finding contentment in your own path.
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