How to Achieve a Healthier Relationship With Social Media

During periods of considerable political and economic instability, it appears that the one constant that remains resilient and unaffected is our bond with social media. Yet, is this genuinely the situation, or are we blissfully ignorant of being ensnared in a damaging relationship? It’s crucial to reflect on this: Does your interaction with social media demonstrate disrespect, exhibit controlling tendencies, and offer no encouragement for your individual ambitions? If you find truth in all three aspects, it may be wise to reassess your connection with social media and strive for a more wholesome online presence.

To help you out, we’re giving you some advice on developing a balanced relationship with your social media accounts.

Track how social media affects your mental health

First and foremost, step back and estimate how social media affects your mental health. If you notice that you’re feeling less comfortable in your own skin, are setting unrealistic goals for yourself, or are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, check if your social media activity has anything to do with it. If you have kids, carefully monitor their online activity patterns and overall behavior changes. Cyberbullying on social media is a growing issue that’s difficult to detect, but it can have severe and long-lasting consequences on children’s mental health.

Reduce and schedule your screen time

Data from 2020 shows that people spend an average of 2 hours and 41 minutes on social media, while teenagers tend to scroll away for almost 4 hours every day. However, these numbers got even higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, and our addiction to social media became even more concerning. If you notice that you and your family spend too much time online, focus on adopting healthier habits. Since putting your phone down can be pretty challenging, find engaging activities for the whole family that would make this easier. Also, schedule your family screen time, but understand your children’s social needs and allow them to enjoy the positive aspects of using these platforms.

Follow only accounts that inspire you

Social media often channels unrealistic expectations that aren’t in line with real life. Review the accounts you follow on social media and block or unfollow all those that negatively affect your life. Ask yourself how you are benefiting from these accounts. Are they making you feel less? Are you striving to achieve an unrealistic lifestyle or beauty goals? Do they encourage you to spend money and time on things that aren’t serving you? Ensure people and organizations you follow inspire you to improve yourself and bring happiness to your life. Also, check which channels and accounts your children follow, and if you find something unsettling, sit down with them and have an open chat about the effects social media might have on them.

Post consciously

Start with yourself if you want to surround yourself with positive people and nurture a healthy and motivating social media environment. Before posting or sharing a glimpse of your life online, ask yourself how you contribute to improving society online. Be kind and understanding to others, promote healthy habits, and motivate people to make a positive change in their lives. Teach your children to do the same. Show them the importance of showing compassion and empathizing with others and teach them proper online etiquette from an early age.

Conclusion

Counseling won’t magically fix the relationship you have with social media, but it can be an excellent starting point. Use these tips above to tweak your approach to social media. Use it to enhance your and your family’s life quality and ditch everything that’s bringing you down.

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Krystal Morrison
 

I create this blog to share my daily tips about home improvement, children, pets, food, health, and ways to be frugal while maintaining a natural lifestyle. Interested to be a Guest Blogger on my website? Please email me at: [email protected]

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