Sticking to a Social Media Break: Try This

Can you imagine a life without social media? If you're like most of us, probably not.

Many of us are so intertwined with our social accounts, it might be hard to think of what our lives would be like without using them.

There are definitely a bunch of upsides to creating and maintaining our online connections, but many of us struggle to balance our daily lives with an ever-present flurry of input from our families and friends, not to mention advertising from brands and a deluge of the latest celebrity gossip.

A growing number of people think social media has negative effects on their mental health, believing that cutting down usage could be the answer.

Why can't our minds live without it?

Most studies are not the most favorable when it comes to social media and its long-term effects on the brain. A recent multi-national study polling participants from the United States, Norway, the U.K. and Australia showed people using social media to feel less lonely or for a main source of entertainment experienced poorer mental health than those who only use it to stay in touch with friends and family.

Even then, the more that social media was used, the less satisfied people reported feeling when contrasted against a wide number of studies where participants noted benefits to taking breaks from their online interactions.

Things to try instead

The next time you feel tempted to pick up your phone and start scrolling, try a few of these ideas instead:

-Put on some good music.
-Pick up a good book.
-Take a walk outside.
-Try baking a new recipe.
-Connect with yourself via yoga or meditation.
-Play with your favorite pet.
-Try to make a new connection with someone in person.
-Try a new crafting project.
-Call a friend or family member that appreciates long conversations.

Setting healthier boundaries

There's nothing wrong with social media being part of your daily life. And you have the power to not only eliminate the more negative aspects, but enhance the positive aspects.

Start by valuating any sources of conflict on your accounts and actively eliminating them. That could include any of the following:

-Unfollowing accounts that make you feel less good about yourself
-Delete any spam, direct messages or trolls where bad vibes are present
-Pages, groups or contacts that you've engaged with negatively in the past
-Unsave posts that cause you to compare yourself to others in an unfavorable way

The next time you post on social media, don't be afraid to post the moments where you're showing up as your authentic self. Skip the filters and try sharing the messier moments, not just the versions of yourself that look perfect. Every person online has flaws and insecurities and we can be more honest with ourselves and others by not being so ashamed of our own. 

In addition, the world needs more positivity and real talk. Try to avoid the most divisive topics in public and contribute to a healthier impression others will have of you by posting positive things instead. It can make a world of difference.

SUMMARY: Social media is not going anywhere. As time goes on, our "social currency" actually appears to be getting more important by the day, especially regarding opportunities in life and in business. Start considering how you can use social media in a way that emphasizes the positive aspects over the negative ones. With conscious usage balanced along with our daily activities and priorities, our social media time can be an incredibly valuable asset to us to express ourselves and connect with others.