*my phone case says “social media seriously harms your mental health here” & all the celebs are rocking it. Get it here*
I am no stranger to the world of social media anxiety- I blogged about SMAD, the correlation between social media & weight gain/anxiety, & that one time the comparison game really killed my confidence for a hot minute (I got over that after writing that post).
A few days ago I asked my Instagram audience what questions they had about anxiety in general, & social media was something that KEPT COMING UP. Mainly Instagram… & apparently, it’s stressing people out these days.
Social Media is not going anywhere. Who really knows where it is going (but watch the Nosedive episode of Black Mirror for one really trippy prediction)?! BUT FOR TODAY, instead of getting all negative about social media & stress you out even more, I am sharing some of mine, & other blogger’s, best practices (& a few tips/tricks) to help balance your VIRTUAL & PERSONAL life.
6 Tips to Balance Your Social Media Life & Real Life (for the sake of your mental & physical health!)
1. AUDIT YOUR FEED
Clean out the accounts that don’t serve you in a positive way. When you are on social media, make sure you are consuming UPLIFTING content so when you exit social media- you leave with a POSITIVE mindset. Follow influencers who talk about health, wellness, & even accounts that are just a good laugh.
Example of some of my favorite feel good accounts:
☆ @jengotch: the founder of bando & a MAJOR voice for mental health- yet she is goofy, cute, relatable, & SO fun! I also love her podcast, which is even better cause no screen time at all!
☆ @indyblue: I just love this girl & no shame- wish she was my friend. She is HILARIOUS & creates really rad inspiring content. You can tell that she is not hyper obsessed with her feed & just post shit she loves and created- which is refreshing & regardless- her feed is super inspiring & fun to look at.
☆ @tinygentleasians: an account with a compilation of the most adorable chubby asian babies. This account just makes me smile… I’ve even shed a tear from cuteness. Maybe babies aren’t your thing- so download a puppy instagram account. This honestly makes my feed 100000x more enjoyable.
☆ @theminimalistbaker: I try to follow healthier food accounts to help inspire me to eat healthier. Plus, I just think food accounts are so fucking pretty. This one is one of my favorite food accounts- the recipes are so pretty & EASY!! For someone who can’t cook for shit, I could make these recipes. I haven’t yet…. but one day lol.
2. HOW TOP BLOGGERS TAKE BREAKS (WHILE STILL CONTENT ON POINT)
You have to take breaks. I worry about bloggers who are ALWAYS on with three fresh in the moment post ideas. That means a good chunk of your day is spent taking photos, editing photos, & writing captions. Pretty much MOST bloggers stack content on the reg.
Stacking content is just what it sounds- extra photos you can post when you just can’t be on all the damn time. I have a folder on my phone literally labeled “rainy day”. Whether it’s a cute coffee shop photo, an extra photo from a previous shoot that didn’t get, a rad inspo photo, or a forgotten about selfie- keep it in a folder as a photo bank for when you want some time off the gram.
3. BE IN THE NOW, POST LATER
Another thing bloggers do on the reg- take the pics & post them the next day. I see this happening more in more & I am all about it. What’s the point of going to an event/party/brunch/dinner & spend the whole time editing & posting photos.
Of course, there are times when you can post in the moment, but typically when surrounded by people who do NOT have their face in their phones… just get your pics & enjoy the night. Content never does that great at night anyways- most people are either sleeping, watching tv, or just trying balance out their social media use too??
4. PRACTICE ONE SELF CARE THING A DAY
I just went to a doctor about my brand new Thryoid issue & he handed me a self care handout that told me I HAD to do one self care thing a day.
This has been something I neglected for a long time. I put work in front of EVERYTHING & would feel guilty if I didn’t prioritized my work.
I had it ass backwards- you need to prioritize yourself first. Meditate for 10 minutes, go to workout, get your nails done in the middle of the day when the salon is empty, take a break to read a chapter in your book, go for a walk around the block to soak up some vitamin D- it doesn’t have to take long, but you just have to force yourself.
I just downloaded the Aloe Bud app which is a self care companion to help keep you on track. I LOVE this app so far- it has a nineties computer vibe to the graphics you can add different activities (i.e. “breathe” which guides you through a quick breathing routine, “grateful” which makes you type what you are grateful for, & cute reminders that come to you as notifications to remind you to eat healthier/get better sleep/get moving/etc.
5. BLOCK COMMENT KEYWORDS ON INSTAGRAM
Words hurt & if nasty rude comments are making you feel any less great than you are- use COMMENT KEYWORD BLOCK feature. Just like the auditing of who you follow, you have to block the shit that makes you bummed because that energy will carry with you through the day/week/month.
6. WAYS TO AVOID BLUE LIGHT (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
ANOTHER recommendation from my new doctor. This one is gonna be harder for me, but he wants me off the electronics at 10pm. I am working towards that… easing slowly to cutting down the screen time.
I know first hand how the blue light really fucks up circadian rhythms, in a nutshell… our phones & computer blue light emission effects our bodies the same way the sun does, tricking it into thinking it is still daytime. This negatively effects your sleep/wake schedule & in turn- your physical health & mental health.
THIS IS A PART OF LIFE YOU NEED TO BALANCE.
The best thing you can do is limit screen time altogether (use this time to be with watch a movie uninterrupted with your s/o!)… but if you have to be on the phone at night, SET YOUR NIGHT SHIFT! I didn’t do this for years, but I am loving it right now. I don’t like looking at Instagram with the orange light anyways, so it keeps me off my phone more. As for the computer, if you can’t shut it down early enough, get some blue light glasses. I am obsessed w/ this pair from Quay. My current ones are not nearly as cute.
ALSO- I just found out about the Moment App which is specifically an app to help reduce screen time. It tracks how long you are on your phone. It also has options to help you sleep better, be happier, sharpen your focus, reduce anxiety, feel happier, stop wasting time, & improve relations. It is basically an all in one self help app & I am kind of excited to track my screen time.