35. Social Comparison & Why You are Not the Worst Mom Ever!

A couple weeks ago, I missed International Daughter's Day.  My first thought was "I am the worst mother EVER!"

Why? Because I was comparing myself to all the "perfect" moms on Facebook and Instagram (from where I learned about International Daughters' Day in the first place) who posted beautiful photos of themselves with their daughters, gushing their affection for their daughters in the captions.

Theodore Roosevelt said that "Comparison is the thief of joy."  But, it can also be our greatest motivator. Social comparison has an upside and a downside - like most things in life. 

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we learn more about social comparison, and how it can affect our mental wellbeing.  

What are YOU going to to for your mental wellness today?  Here are some ideas to get you started in case you're unsure:

Get outside in nature - even for 10 minutesStand / Walk barefoot on the grassWrite down 10 things you are grateful forWrite a card or message to someone to tell them 3 wonderful things about themMake a similar list about yourself.Floss your teethCelebrate something (big or small)Get some exercise - move. your body for 30 minutesListen to your favourite songDanceGive someone you love (in your bubble) a hugLaughDo/play something you loveDrink lots of waterTake 4 slow deep breaths (through your nose)Listen to a guided meditationDaydream about a place you would love to go - in beautiful detailSpend 30 minutes reading a bookWrite down some of your favourite inspiring quotes and/or affirmationsStand in front of a mirror. Look yourself in the eye, and put your hand on the mirror - touching your reflection’s hand.  Tell your human that you love her or him.  Say it again. Tell your human that you love you no matter what.  That you love you when you are angry, frustrated, anxious, failing, thriving... No. Matter. What.Repeat 3-5 of your favourite affirmations to yourself while standing in a superhero poseStep away from social media for an hour - or 2Do a puzzleEat some brain-healthy foods: avocado, blueberries, broccoli, walnuts, leafy greens, dark chocolate, etcTap (the FREE 5 day tapping course is back starting Monday the 26th - or message me directly if you’d like more info about tapping)Listen to the Teaching Little Brains Podcast 🥰

LINKS

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Sources & Resources
CAMH - Mental Illness Statistics & Facts
CMHO - Facts & Figures
World Health Organization