Therapist shares what 'normal life' looks like and it's a reminder to not be overwhelmed by social media

Between perfectly styled cafes, exotic cuisines, and "get ready with me" (GRWM) videos featuring flawless outfits and skin, social media often creates the illusion of an ideal, blissful life. However, it's easy to forget that these posts show only a curated glimpse of someone's reality, which may be far from perfect. To highlight what "normal" life truly looks like, licensed therapist Tori Stanley (@tori_the_therapist on Instagram) decided to take matters into her own hands. In a video shared on the platform, she offered a refreshing reminder of life beyond the polished social media facade.

"A reminder of what normal life looks like," read the text overlay on Tori Stanley's video as she descended her stairs carrying a massive laundry basket. The video showcased relatable aspects of everyday life, such as "the same makeup you’ve had for years, coffee at home, bad hair days, feeling overwhelmed, not having nails and toes done, being alone," and more. Stanley also highlighted "imperfect, non-airbrushed skin" and "not always being dressed up." The video concluded with a heartfelt note: "Just a reminder because social media makes it so easy to forget."

The caption of the post read, "A reminder of what normal life looks like. Because social media makes it easy to forget." The video garnered over 12.7 million views as the therapist shed light on how we often compare our real lives to curated, often unrealistic portrayals online. Viewers resonated with her message, sharing their own experiences with social media and its impact on their perceptions of reality.

@puklarsen wrote, "I think social media can connect us. It is somehow comforting that people around the world can learn and laugh at the same things. We all lose socks in the washing machine, and we all have an opinion about coffee or tea and the toilet paper out or in. So, if you only have perfect people in your feedback, then delete them and find something real to look at." @milofuku commented, "I never do the nails anymore. It's just too much effort just to look cute. I like my short, bare nails. They still look good and function better! My makeup has not been upgraded for ages. Only the basic stuff that I needed. My skincare routine is basic, and it still does wonders for my skin. I still use my 4-year-old sneakers, which are still comfy and functional. I drive a 2012 Family Van Nissan Serena. It's still comfy to drive. It's safe and the AC is terribly cool."

@wojisonbeauty remarked, "Yep, our washing doesn't do itself… believe me, I tried throwing it in the laundry room and telling it to get in with it. I love the overwhelmed part. People in Holland don't share enough about being fed up or overwhelmed, not our culture. It makes you feel alone even more. Thanks for sharing!" @rubyharmonie shared, "We need more posts like this. It seems like everyone feels like a failure these days cause the example of what's normal is so out of touch online." @irena_s_88 expressed, "I hope social media one day disappears so we can all live outside again normally and enjoy the wonders of the world."

You can follow Tori Stanley (@tori_the_therapist) on Instagram for more content on mental health.