Using social media is a great way to connect with others, stay informed and be entertained. However, it can also negatively impact your mental health, causing stress, feelings of inadequacy and even anxiety. If you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed with social media, take a break and check out these ways to create a healthier balance.
Be Mindful of How You Spend Your Time
When you’re scrolling, it’s easy to lose track of time. You may think you’ve only been watching videos or reading posts for 10 minutes, when an hour or two could have gone by. To help with this, set time limits for your social media use. Additionally, setting designated phone-free times throughout your day can also help – and lower your overall screentime!
Build a Feed You Love
While scrolling, if you come across a profile or account that makes you feel stressed, anxious or less than, consider unfollowing, muting or even blocking them. Instead, focus on following profiles that bring positivity into your life and inspire and educate you. Your social media should help to improve your well-being, not take away from it.
Identify the Unrealistic Standards
People often use social media to showcase the best of their life. Make sure you look past all the filters, editing and carefully planned content to realize that what you’re seeing most likely isn’t reality. Remember, what you see in a photo isn’t the full picture of someone’s life.
Prioritize Real-Life Relationships
Online interactions can be meaningful; however, they should not replace your in-person relationships. Always make sure to take time to connect with friends and family in-person and engage in hobbies and activities.
Take Breaks When Needed
It’s easy to feel like you might be missing out on something if you take a step away from social media. However, it may just be the best thing you can do for your mental health. Logging out of the apps for a short break – even if it’s just for a day or weekend – can help you rest and reset. If you feel up to it, try a digital detox by logging out and deleting the social media apps for an extended period. You may even find that you feel better without the constant need to check and update your social media accounts!
Check In with Yourself
Always make sure to check in with how you are feeling. Ask yourself: How is social media adding or taking away from my life? Is it making me feel positive or negative? If you find that, after closing the app, you feel drained, overwhelmed or sad, it may be time to make some changes in your life.
Change in any form can be hard. However, HealthLinc’s behavioral health consultants (BHCs) are here to lend a helping hand! Our BHCs work with you to create positive, meaningful lifestyle changes and assist you in maintaining the change. They can help you to identify what exactly it is that is causing you stress and work to replace these negative habits with positive ones. As a team, you can work towards a happier, healthier life – both physically and mentally!
