Strategies to balance social media & mental well-being.

Humans are hard-wired to be social. Naturally, positive social activity makes us not only happier but also healthier.

There is no doubt that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have brought the world much closer. However, their addiction and overdependence has led to a detrimental impact on most of our mental well-being. What’s worrisome is that the negative impact of these forums has only increased during the pandemic- a phase where emotional and mental well-being have required utmost care besides physical health.

Mental health campaigners say that social media overuse harms self-esteem, particularly of youngsters who are desperate to seek validation during loneliness. For some, no or few likes, comment and shares seem to trigger the level of stress chemicals, so much so that cortisol rises in the body, misbalancing oneself.

Cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and social comparison can take a drastic toll on one’s mind. With work-from-home becoming a new reality, the stress has only increased.

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But it is hard to imagine a life without social media due to its several benefits. While cortisol may rise due to a single Instagram post, the level oxytocin- the brain chemical involved in connection, empathy, trust, generosity and sharing also increases.

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Weighing the pros and cons, it is important to protect our mental health and restore mental well-being.

So, should we stop using social media? Well, it is impossible to do so in today’s digital age. So no, one need not quit social media for the sake of sanity. But they can embrace this four-point strategy to better manage social media use-

Using a timer or app tracker

According to a study conducted by Guilford Press Periodicals, the overall mental health of people can improve by limiting social media use to just 30 minutes a day. Keeping a track of the time one spends on the social media through a smartphone can also help. One may also limit the use to certain times a day. Also, limiting the use on phones while in bed during night is often advisable.

Tracking feelings for others’ posts

If one frequently feels sad while seeing others’ posts, it is time to take a break from social media for a while. As they saying goes- out of sight, out of mind, unfollowing accounts that do not make one feel good can help.

People should also refrain from engaging with other’s posts or post their own content when anxious or stressed. Ensuring that people, communities, and brands that are being followed on social platforms infuses positivity- which is a blessing for our mental health.

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Spending more time with offline friends

Face-to-face interaction with family and friends lets people express themselves more freely, strengthening their mental health. In case you have neglected offline friends due to social media overdose, set aside time each week to meet, or in the case of the ongoing pandemic- call them.

Finding a hobby such as painting, reading, or gardening or taking up a fitness activity can keep mental health top notch. The cherry on the cake is the physical wellbeing that comes along from most of these activities. A pro tip is to take time for self-reflection and keep a track of all positives in life.

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Changing focus

One must change their focus if they have been using social media as a substitute for real life. Being an active user of social media is relatively better than someone who passively scrolls other posts or anonymously follows others’ interactions.

We should not let the fear of missing out (FOMO) dictate us as there are many other tasks in life that need more attention.

Undoubtedly, social media plays a critical role in today’s age, but life have many other priorities as well. Therefore, one must use social media judiciously and not let it negatively impact mental health.