3 Tips for Healthier Relationship with Social Media (from a social media manager)
If you’re chatting with someone, simply saying the words “social media” will inevitably be followed by the words “toxic” or “unhealthy”.
And as a social media manager, I’m no stranger to slipping down the rabbit hole of comparison, sky-high screen times, or the occasional rude DM that’s hard to shake off.
I also have a better relationship with social media than many of my peers who work offline.
The 24/7 nature of the job actually makes me far more intentional with the energy I give to scrolling.
Here are three ways I cultivate a healthy (ish) relationship with social media.
#1 Keep a list of non-screen activities
Not to be dramatic, but having a list of offline activities handy will change your life. I don’t know about you, but if I have to *come up with an idea* of what to do when I’m tired and feel like zoning out, I won’t.
I’ll opt to mindlessly scroll on my phone with terrible posture. So take the brainpower out and write a list of activities that don’t require a screen and will recharge your mental battery. Maybe it’s as simple as going for a walk, but whatever it is, make it something that feels good to choose.
Here’s my mine in case you need a little inspiration:
#2 Don’t wake up and scroll your phone
When I think back to some of the most stressful, unhappy moments of my work life — I was in a habitual pattern of immediately checking my phone with one eye open in bed.
Even if you’re not stress-checking your phone for work, scrolling through Facebook or Instagram isn’t going to help you feel energized, it’s likely going to zap your time and energy.
Depressing news? Comparison traps? All before 8 am? Let’s collectively say “no thanks”.
Plus, after a few mornings without scrolling, an unexpected benefit is starting to feel like you’re actually getting back time in your schedule for yourself. That’s a win-win.
# 3 Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t spark joy
Whenever I hear someone complain about someone on Instagram, my immediate response is mute or unfollow them. It’s the digital equivalent of “move on” and it feels really good. Please try it.
Muting accounts can be an especially powerful tool for your mental health and give you back control of how you’re feeling. They never have to know and you can unmute any time you like.
Need a few more tips? Bookmark this article for later.
