In our last blog, we explained about social media and its influences on our mental health. We concluded that social media has positive and negative effects like everything.
In this blog, I want to say my experiences on how I succeeded to decrease these effects on my mental health.
Like a lot of people, I used to surf the net a lot. In the morning, just after I woke up, I started to seek on Instagram and other apps. I was looking at the screen of my phone and laptop till night.
I didn’t like to communicate with my friends face to face and preferred just to chat with them.
All the time I post my different selfies and photos on social media. I was so sensitive about the number of my posts comments and likes.
I can remember that I was so jealous and stressed at that time. I used to be jealous because all the time I compared myself with others. I used to be stressed because I had a cyberbullying experience.
I was a blogger but not the famous one I couldn’t have control of what I posted because I was scared of others’ thoughts and comments on my posts. I even couldn’t sleep well.
So, I decided to change this situation. I asked doctors and my friends. These are the most practical tips:
Tips for decreasing the impacts of social media on mental health:
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Limit you’re your time on social media:
I always set 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon to use social media for fun. You can set any limited time you want for your work or just have fun.
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Choose your platforms wisely:
Consider which social media platforms are most beneficial for you and limit your use of those that hurt your mental health. For me it was Instagram. It’s a good app and I don’t deny it but for me, it causes me to get stressed because of comparing myself with everyone. And it just wasted my time.
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Unfollow negative accounts:
Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious, stressed, or inadequate. Follow accounts that promote positivity, self-care, and mental wellness.
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Take breaks:
Take regular breaks from social media to recharge and focus on other activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. I have one day in a month that I won’t be online and just relax and enjoy my time. Try it!
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Practice mindfulness:
Be present and mindful when using social media. Pay attention to how you feel and take note of any negative emotions that arise.
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Seek support:
Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you are struggling with the impact of social media on your mental health.
In summary, social media has become an integral part of our lives, and while it offers many benefits, it can also have negative impacts on our mental health. However, by implementing the tips mentioned above, we can reduce these impacts and maintain a healthy relationship with social media. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of social media while protecting our mental well-being.