Social media is a big part of our culture, and a routine part of most people’s lives. However, it’s not always a beneficial contributor, and can, in fact, provide unique challenges when disordered eating is involved.
Is a detox from social media supportive of recovery?
Detoxing from social media can be quite beneficial when recovering from an eating disorder. Social media platforms are often filled with images, advertisements and posts that promote unrealistic body standards and dieting culture. For someone with an eating disorder, these can be triggering and may reinforce negative self-image and unhealthy behaviors. By taking a break from these platforms, you can reduce your exposure to said content, making it easier to focus on recovery.
Detoxing from social media can also provide space for you to engage with real-life support systems. Without the distraction of social media, you will have more time and mental energy to attend therapy sessions, connect with supportive friends and family and engage in self-care activities — all of which are crucial for recovery.
However, for some people, completely avoiding social media might become hurtful to recovery. Social media can be a source of support, offering connection with others who understand what they’re going through. There are numerous groups and individuals online focused on recovery and mental health, offering encouragement and sharing resources that can be very helpful.
And lastly, when/if you decide to reintroduce social media to your life, you might feel anxious, overwhelmed or triggered by the content you see which you had been avoiding for so long. This could be challenging to manage, especially if you find yourself viewing a lot of harmful content.
How can I mindfully reintroduce social media?
Reintroducing social media mindfully is a thoughtful process, especially when recovering from an eating disorder. The goal is to maintain a healthy relationship with these platforms while minimizing the potential for negative impacts.
Before diving back in, clarify why you want to return to social media and what you hope to gain. This might include staying connected with friends, accessing supportive communities or even finding inspiration for your recovery journey. Remember that not all social media platforms are created equal. Decide which platforms align best with your intentions and are least likely to trigger negative emotions or behaviors. You might find that some are more supportive and positive than others.
Take control over what you see by unfollowing accounts that promote unrealistic body standards, diets or anything else that might be triggering, and follow accounts that align with recovery goals, including advocates of body positivity, mental health support communities, or other content that uplifts and inspires you.
Before engaging with any content, take a moment to check in with yourself. Notice how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally, and ask yourself if engaging with this content is beneficial for you at that moment. Also, set limits on yourself — use your phone or the app settings to keep you accountable with your screen time use.
As you use social media, periodically reflect on how your reintroduction to social media is affecting you. Are you feeling supported and empowered, or is it becoming a source of stress? Regular check-ins can help you adjust your approach as needed. Remember, you can always step back if your use of social media starts doing more harm than good. It’s okay to take breaks whenever you need them.
Tips to curate a positive feed
Creating a body-positive and mindful newsfeed can significantly enhance your social media experience, fostering an environment that supports mental well-being and self-acceptance. Here are some tips to help you curate such a newsfeed:
- Follow pages that promote body positivity, diversity, self-love and acceptance. These accounts often feature real, unedited images and encourage self-compassion;
- Follow people of various body types, cultures, genders and backgrounds to foster a diverse feed that dismantles unrealistic beauty standards and broadens your perspective on beauty and bodies;
- Include accounts that focus on mental health and well-being to gain supportive content, mindfulness tips and reminders to care for your mental state;
- Join groups or follow hashtags that celebrate body positivity, such as #BodyPositivity, #SelfLove or #AllBodiesAreGoodBodies;
- Be proactive in removing accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards, diet culture or anything that makes you feel inadequate;
- If an account consistently triggers negative emotions or comparison, don’t be afraid to unfollow it;
- Follow accounts that share positive quotes, motivational stories, or artistic content that inspires and uplifts you.
- Periodically go through your following list to ensure it aligns with your values and supports your mental health — eliminate what is unhelpful to your progress.
By intentionally choosing what appears in your social media feed, you can create a space that nurtures positivity and self-acceptance, contributing to a healthier and more supportive online environment. Remember, your newsfeed should be a reflection of what truly enriches your life and aligns with your values.
To talk to someone
For more guidance on mindfulness, eating disorder recovery and overall mental wellness, reach out to Seeds of Hope by filling out an online contact form.
