Mental Health - Protect It When Using Social media

Hi!
​Let’s face it – social media is here to stay – at least for a good, long while! While it’s a way to stay connected, and that seems to be a positive thing, many people get anxious, feel isolated, and even depressed by its use. Are you together with others yet feel alone? While people need to be socially connected to one another and lacking enough of it can lead to declining emotional and other mental health problems, we need to make sure we and our children and other loved ones are staying healthy while engaging in social media use.
 
So, if you’re starting to feel sad, anxious, frustrated, lonely, or other negatively impacting feelings, read this article so you can find a happy, healthy balance. Here are some tips to help improve your social media experience:
 
*Track how much time you’re actually on social media each day (there are apps out there or you can just note it).
 
*Just turn your phone off during certain times of the day – you decide what and how you want to do this. Perhaps it’s when you’re driving, in meetings, having a meal, etc.
 
*Leave your phone or other gadget somewhere other than near your bed, even your bedroom. Turn off your devices and leave them somewhere else in the house.
 
*Turn off notifications, at least at certain times, so you won’t get distracted by them.
 
*Limit the number of times you check your phone.
 
*Try spending more time with friends in person! Meet people for coffee, a meal, etc. Don’t be shy – ask people if they want to get together!
 
*Try focusing on the things in your life that you’re grateful for. This requires some reflection, another good, healthy thing to be doing. It’s an act of mindfulness and is good for the heart, body, and soul!
 
*Take time for other mindfulness tasks, like yoga, meditation, even a bubble bath! Some people like to read – like me! Find out what makes you feel calm and focused.
 
*Spend some time volunteering for good causes. Helping others just plain feels good!
 
*Get out, perhaps with a friend or other loved one, and take a nice walk. Smell the roses. Slow down. Listen to the birds singing. While you’re doing this, you’re relaxing, unwinding, and also getting some much needed exercise.
 
*Speaking of exercise, movement is oh so good for mental health! It’s invigorating, refreshing, and healthy. If you think movement and mental health have nothing to do with each other – think again – nothing could be further from the truth! But please do something that you will enjoy. I walk these days. I love to dance. When I was a kid, I loved to roller skate and ride my bike. Whatever makes you feel good, do it safely, in moderation.
 
Are you worth it? You bet you are! And don’t let anybody, past, present, or future tell you anything different. If you don’t feel like you’re worth taking care of, it may be time for an intervention that will turn the tables around and boost your self-esteem right into healthy levels. Go for it!
 
And as always, please have a happy, holistically healthy day!
 
Dr. P

Holistic Guides