Many of us get all of our information from social media, from politics to trendy recipes to the latest dance craze.
It’s convenient but sometimes, staying locked to our screens can affect us negatively and foster feelings of inadequacy, being overwhelmed, or sadness about the state of the world.
Here are ways to avoid social media burnout:
- Set boundaries: Allocate a time just for social media: It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole when scrolling on social media. Set a timer, if needed, to limit your screen time. This will help you maintain a healthy balance between your online and offline life.
- Unfollow and Unfriend: Take a critical look at your social media connections. Unfollow or unfriend accounts that consistently make you feel stressed, anxious, or unhappy. Your mental health should always take precedence over online relationships.
- Curate Your Feed: Customize your social media feed by following accounts that promote positivity, inspiration, and personal growth. Fill your feed with content that adds value to your life and makes you feel good.
- Turn Off Notifications: Constant notifications can be overwhelming and distracting. Turn off non-essential notifications or set specific times for checking them. This way, you’ll regain control of your online experience.
- Practice Mindful Scrolling: When using social media, be mindful of your emotions and reactions to the content you encounter. Avoid comparing yourself to others and remember that what people post is often a curated version of their lives.
- Get outside for at 30 minutes per day. Connecting with nature is an excellent way to rest the body and mind from social media. If you want to carry your phone for safety, mute the sound and take in the sights around you. Listen to the sights and sounds of nature.
- Don’t take social media to bed. The negativity you might encounter can interfere with your sleep and overall mental health. Instead read a book, affirmations or listen to relaxing music before bed.
- Reflect and Evaluate: Regularly evaluate the impact of social media on your life. Consider how it affects your mental and emotional health, productivity, and overall well-being. If necessary, make adjustments to your social media habits.
