The journey towards self-improvement can be frustrating and a lot more challenging than we expect it to be. That is one of the factors why we stop or lose motivation in what we do—we become too stuck in our heads, convincing ourselves that nothing is changing and our efforts are getting us nowhere.

It is also pressuring to see other people on the internet look like the versions we want to be. The social media content we see amplifies our feelings and thoughts in the worst way possible. Most frequently, it is deeply rooted in our insecurities and inability to become who we want to be in a short span of time. We lose the motivation and determination to move forward—letting self-doubt take over our heads until we finally feel utterly defeated.

If you find yourself in the dark and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, don’t react. Take a deep breath until it feels easier to breathe.

From someone who has been dealing with anxiety and is still on the long journey, here are five simple ways to reconnect and feel like yourself again:

1. Stop Comparing Your Reality to Someone Else’s Reality

Social media often does not show the reality of someone you envy. It is heavily and easily curated by the content you view. Hence, why you have to become extremely aware of the type of media you consume and how it makes you feel.

To remind you: nothing that you do for yourself should trigger you.

Everyone you see on the internet shows you only what they want you to see. They all have their own struggles and insecurities.

2. Not Everything Needs a Reaction

We live in a world that constantly demands our attention, opinions, and emotional energy. We forget to realize that not everything deserves our energy.

Establish a list from your own realizations of what deserves your energy and what doesn’t.

Social media is noise pollution. Learn to step back and regulate.

If you use it the wrong way, it will have a more negative impact than merely being a tool you’ll enjoy using.

3. Don’t Feel Pressured, Allow Yourself to Be Happy

Overwhelming expectations are the fastest path to burnout. Allow yourself to be happy while being on the journey. Don’t save it for when you feel like you’ve gotten to the finish line.

Simple things can excite you. It may be making your favorite drink, watering your plants, cleaning your room, taking a shower, or even lying down in your bed after doing all your chores.

Do everything with intention and avoid staying on autopilot.

4. Show Compassion to Yourself

The conversation you have with yourself sets the tone for your recovery.

You don’t have to figure things out overnight, and you don’t have to feel a certain type of way on a specific date you set for yourself.

The way you talk to yourself is far more impactful. Oftentimes, we only care about what other people think until we let them speak for us. You don’t owe anything to anyone but yourself.

Speak to yourself the way you would to a friend who is struggling—with patience, empathy, and grace.

5. Enjoy Being Alone

Sometimes, feeling like yourself again simply requires stepping away from the noise. Being alone doesn't have to be an isolating and depressing activity.

Learn slowly what excites you, what you look forward to the most, and what you have always wanted to try but were scared of. Rewire your brain on how you react to things.

Step out of your comfort zone. Why are you scared if you can be excited?

Ultimately, even if this list doesn’t work right away, it doesn’t have to. We function differently from other people. This list is simply groundwork or something you can start with. Just be consistent in telling yourself that the journey to self-improvement is already something to feel proud of.