Detox Your Social Media For Better Body Image
Around here in this anti-diet community, we know that we don’t need to do any type of food detox diet. Thankfully our organs take care of that for us. No need for weird juices or concoctions of lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Those just can’t replace the OG liver, kidneys, and lungs.
But if there is one type of detox I recommend, it’s a social media detox. This will greatly benefit your life much more than a detox diet.
Why you should do a social media detox
There are both a lot of pros and a lot of cons to social media. It allows us to find positive communities (like on my Instagram or TikTok). It can be a way to connect with family and friends, especially long distance ones
Social media can also be a platform for us to discuss topics we are passionate about. If it wasn’t for social media, I probably would not have learned about intuitive eating!
But alongside those pros there are plenty of pitfalls to social media and it can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Cons of social media
Social media can increase the risk of disordered eating, depression, and anxiety.
We are constantly being exposed to messages that tell us that thin bodies are good and big bodies are bad. These images are often altered and many times are not even a realistic portrayal.
Social media is a highlight reel.
It can generate FOMO and imposter syndrome.
It can be a pathway for trolls and keyboard warriors.
If you only follow individuals that meet the narrow definition of beauty, this can greatly impact your body image and your work towards body acceptance.
How to detox your social media
Go into each of the platforms and scroll through your list of who you follow. This includes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube and whatever other ones I don’t know about.
Take a look at each person that you follow. Why do you follow them? Do they bring you a sense of joy, inspiration, or make you think in a different way that is supportive of a form of self-improvement? Or maybe you feel just neutral about them, like an old high school classmate that doesn’t really post about anything of note but you want to keep in touch with. Totes fine to keep following these people!
But if they bring on a case of comparison-itis or cause you to feel insecure, inadequate, angry, jealous, or unworthy - hit that unfollow button hard. There is no need to follow accounts that aren’t positively serving you.
This detox does not only need to include influencers or others of the sort. Unfollow anyone that makes you feel negatively, even if it is someone you know personally.
Here are some criteria for you to use as you perform your social media detox
Does the account make you feel bad about your life or your body?
Does the account try to motivate you to change something about the way that you look (this definitely includes weight loss).
Does it promote restricting the foods that you eat?
Does it compare or scrutinize bodies (ex: side by side comparison posts)?
Does it promote exercise as a means to change the way your body looks rather than focusing on how it feels or other health benefits?
Does it fail to represent individuals of different shapes, ages, and ethnicities?
Now it is time to replace these negative influences with more positive ones! Diversify your feed. Follow inspiring, body positive social media accounts. Here are some accounts that I love:
Bottom line
Many of us spend lots of time on social media and this can either positively or negatively impact our mindset around food and our bodies. Use these tips to cultivate a more positive feed to help you on your way to food freedom.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!
Who are your favorite anti-diet creators to follow? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
