Have you been feeling a bit low lately, but you can’t quite put your finger on why? It may have something to do with your social media habits. According to a recent study, social media use can increase depression and loneliness.
For years people have suspected that social media use might have an ability to negatively impact our mental well-being. After all, it’s hard not to feel inadequate or jealous when looking at photos of people whose lives seem so much more perfect than ours. But now research is actually making a definitive link between spending time on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and a sense of loneliness and isolation.
It May be Time for a Social Media Detox
We encourage my clients to take a social media detox every now and then to gain a more positive sense of reality. They often report back to us that the detox offered some amazing and unexpected benefits such as:
Improved Self-Esteem
When you take a break from comparing yourself to other people, you can start to look at how great you and your own life really are.
New Interests and Hobbies
When you spend less time trying to get that social approval in the form of ‘likes’, ‘retweets’, and ‘upvotes’, you suddenly find you have a lot of time on your hands for other things.
Improves Your Mood
Trading in online friendships for real face-to-face ones makes us feel more grounded and connected to people. This can drastically improve our mood and sense of well-being.
Better Sleep
Many people are on their mobile phone in bed, checking their social media accounts. The blue light from these devices disrupts our sleep pattern. When we put these devices away, we inevitably sleep better.
Able to Enjoy the Moment More
We are a big proponent of daily mindfulness. By being present in our lives, we feel an increased sense of peace and joy. That’s priceless.
So how do you perform a social media detox?
Follow these 4 steps:
- Temporarily deactivate your accounts. Don’t worry, you can reactivate them again in the future should you choose.
- Remove all Social Media Apps and notification pathways from your devices.
- Use a web filtering tool to block social media sites. (Why tempt yourself?)
- Be prepared for some withdrawal symptoms and have other activities ready to replace the void.
If you follow these steps and take a break from social media, chances are you will find you feel a whole lot better!
Should You Date If You Have Depression?
Dating is challenging for everyone. But when you suffer with depression, dating can feel scary and overwhelming. Not only do you feel particularly raw and vulnerable to possible rejection, but should a connection be made, you have the added burden of figuring out how...
Teaching Kids Mindfulness: The Benefits and Easiest Ways to Do It!
“Pay attention!” It’s a phrase that is uttered dozens of times a week (if not more) in households where children between the ages of two and 18 reside. How is it that when they WANT to, oh say when they are playing video games or watching cartoons, kids can have a...
Helping Kids Cope with Loss
Parents do their best to shield their children from the harsh realities of the world. But as much of an effort as they put in, parents can’t always protect their children from experiencing the pain of loss. Whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet, a childhood friend,...
Quick! Get Your "Top Tips For Getting the Most Out of Counseling" Cheatsheet!
Like some of what you've seen and want to see more? Sign up for our Mailing List for a free cheat sheet on making the most out of counseling. Our list members also gain access to exclusive specials and announcements, as well as the latest from our Counseling Blog!