At a time when fears and anxieties are high and face-to-face interactions are low, it’s more important than ever to protect our mental health. If you’re anything like me and spend a few hours a day on social media, it might be a good idea to look at your digital habits.
It’s vital to make time to ‘switch off’, especially if you’re working or studying all day.
Social media is deeply embedded in our world – it keeps us connected, enables self-expression and can even help drive social change. Working in digital marketing, it’s an integral part of my job to harness the powers of social media and I’m well aware of its many benefits.
However, mindlessly scrolling through your feed is not always healthy or constructive.
So, we know that eating habits can have an impact on our mood, health and energy. But what about our digital habits?
Being conscious of what we consume online is vital for developing a healthy lifestyle, as it can affect our mental health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness is a natural practice that is highly beneficial to our mental health. It involves taking a step back and observing our thoughts at the present moment, rather than becoming absorbed by them. Mindfulness helps us to cope with life’s stresses and we are less likely to be overly reactive or overwhelmed.
Let’s take a look at my top tips for practicing mindfulness on social media…
1. Set digital boundaries
Check in with yourself before you use social media. What do you want to get out of it? How long do you want to spend scrolling? Are you in the right frame of mind, or would you feel better doing something else?
Allow these questions to guide your digital habits.
It’s easy to get sucked in and experience information overload, so it can help to set boundaries, such as time limits or taking a break from technology sometimes. Check out my previous blog for 15 things to do instead of scrolling. Being mindful on social media can also add value to your experience, as you’re more likely to do something that benefits you.
2. Have a social media makeover
Do a quick social media audit of your feed every now and then.
It’s okay to unfollow or hide content that doesn’t serve you. Focus on following accounts that align with your values. Maybe you have outgrown some of the accounts that you followed a few years ago, or just feel that your feed needs a general clear-out.
Strike a balance between positive and potentially draining content. Social media can keep us up to date with current events, especially with everything happening in the world at the moment.
If you find yourself falling into a media hole of pandemic panic every time you pick up your phone, comedians and meme accounts could give you a boost. If motivational and inspirational content is your thing, follow accounts such as TED Talks or Luminary.
3. Diversify your feed
Social media opens the door to different perspectives, communities and cultures. This gives people an opportunity to expand their understanding and empathy.
Activists can leverage the power of social media to bring awareness to their issues and gain support. #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter campaigns have brought important issues to the forefront of public consciousness. Social media can spark powerful discourse in real time, helping to drive social change.
On the other hand, social media can propagate fake news and prejudiced views. Staying in your ‘comfort zone’ or only following accounts that reinforce certain viewpoints can create an echo chamber. This can inhibit the free-flowing of information and stunts ideological growth. It’s important to be aware of this and take advantage of the breadth of information out there, stepping outside of your bubble.
4. Fuel your mind, body and soul
With gyms closed and classes cancelled during the pandemic, many personal trainers, yogis and coaches have taken to their social media channels.
Health and fitness influencers have adapted their business and reached out to their followers, offering tips, Instagram Live videos and motivation prompts.
It’s important to listen to our bodies and protect ourselves from the perfectionist culture that is present on social media.
However, a little exercise can be a real mood booster and now is a great time to take advantage of all the free support out there. Some accounts are more forgiving than others, as social pressure and comparison is definitely not what we need right now. I love Alice Liveing’s live videos – a personal trainer who talks openly and honestly about mental health. Joe Wicks is also another favourite for people of all levels and has had a huge spike in his YouTube workouts.
I hope this resonated with you and gave you a few ideas to put into practice when you next go on social media.
Sophie x
Recipe for Mindfulness 