Recently many influencers on Instagram have either vocalized that their Instagram is a highlight reel, or begun sharing more "real life" pictures. It is easy to write off the idea of doing that because "you don't have a ton of followers" "people wouldn't understand" or "people will think of me differently" and I let those ideas rule what I posted on Instagram for a long time. But I started to realize that I was easily affected by what I saw on social media. I would see my "friends" hanging out without me and I would begin to have an anxiety attack, I would see people from high school succeeding at something and I would worry I was falling behind, I would post something and not get many likes and I would think everyone hated me. I know so dramatic but it is true, and sometimes still happens, but I have really begun to pay attention to how I am feeling, what information I am taking in, and I know have ways I manage my time on Instagram.

1. Unfollow, unfollow, unfollow

When an account is making me feel less than.

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I love to follow bloggers. I love to see their beauty tricks, how they style their outfits, and what books they are reading. But when I start to feel bad about myself after watching a blogger's stories or looking at her posts, I know I need to unfollow her.

2. Mute, mute, mute

The mute feature on Instagram is a BLESSING.

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People who I personally know, who I don't want to unfollow, but are making me feel bad about myself or say things constantly that bother me I mute. It hurts my feelings when people I personally know unfollow me so I don't like to do that to others, but muting is a dream. It frees your feed but doesn't hurt anyone.

3. Encourage others!

As it is said "the best way to cheer yourself up, is to cheer someone else up"

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When you are on Instagram, do not, do not, do not just scroll. When you scroll it makes you feel like everyone else is doing so much better than you, but when you interact with likes and comments, it is so much better! I personally decided I would actively like and comment on posts that I see and it has made such a difference in how I feel after spending time on social media.

4. Post your real life!

Me to my followers on Instagram haha

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A couple weeks ago I posted a selfie of me crying in my car in a parking lot. It got more likes and comments than I ever have gotten on any other perfectly edited picture. And it is still getting likes and comments. And I am even getting messages from strangers that it helped them feel not alone. This is why I believe we should share. Regardless of how it may make me look, I want social media to encourage others and a crying selfie CAN do that.

5. Limit time on Instagram, especially when you are sad or anxious.

The less time on Instagram sometimes the better.

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If you know you are emotionally vulnerable, social media will not make you feel better, and will probably make you feel worse. Healthy boundaries are important, especially when you are not in a good place emotionally. Establishing those boundaries so that they are automatic is especially helpful.

Instagram is what you make of it. With these steps I have made Instagram a fun place. I am much less likely to fall into the trap of comparison, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with people on Instagram.