The Australian Psychological Society has published their "8 tops for thriving in the digital age." It's a helpful and practical guide to helping navigate the complicated and sometimes distressing needs of social media.
1. Check less
Research is pretty clear in finding that constant checking does two things. It of course makes you less productive, and actually increases your level of stress. That makes it tiring, unhealthy, and, well, stressful! Check less.
2. Post positively
Engaging in angry conversations filled with judgement and hate are bad for your physical and mental health. And they rarely, if ever, have any positive outcome. So there's really no point! Step away from nasty conversations and engage in positive ones.
3. Be proactive
It's sometimes easy to sit back and simply observe social media. But that can lead to feeling like you're not as good as others, that you're missing out, or worse, feeling envious. Making a positive contribution in your social media interactions can bolster your mental health, and that of others!
4. Block the bullies
Just block them. Find out how, and simply do it. toxic and malicious content is of course deeply unhealthy.
You can take this further to block those who don't support you as well. A rule of thumb I use is to only friend those people who I would enjoy cooking dinner for in my own home.
5. Keep perspective
The image people project on social media is often curated to give a certain impression. If that's you, you're running the risk of missing out on actually connecting with people. If you look at those profiles and feel envy, then you're running the risk of feeling inadequate.
Research shows that those who are more authentic, more "warts & all" are less stressed and feel more connected. Don't compete! Just be.
6. Take a break
If there's constant access tire's a constant state in you of being "on." Work and any other situation can spill into private time, or time reserved for another activity. Ensure you have a set period of time where your environment is controlled. Adjust your settings to create boundaries that ensure you can stay focussed, or relaxed, when you choose to.
7. Guard your sleep
It precious, and vital to your mental health! There's a strong correlation between those who access social media before sleep and sleep problems, poor productivity, and a low sense of wellbeing. Ideally, use the hour before bed to clear your mind, and allow your body to set itself to sleep mode.
8. Connect offline
Much of social media connection is the slight buzz from recognition. That's not as satisfying to the deep need humans have for connection, and is a poor substitute. Put the phone away, and connect in a human way to those around you.
It really is OK to step away from social media, to set boundaries, and to look after yourself!
Research is pretty clear in finding that constant checking does two things. It of course makes you less productive, and actually increases your level of stress. That makes it tiring, unhealthy, and, well, stressful! Check less.
2. Post positively
Engaging in angry conversations filled with judgement and hate are bad for your physical and mental health. And they rarely, if ever, have any positive outcome. So there's really no point! Step away from nasty conversations and engage in positive ones.
3. Be proactive
It's sometimes easy to sit back and simply observe social media. But that can lead to feeling like you're not as good as others, that you're missing out, or worse, feeling envious. Making a positive contribution in your social media interactions can bolster your mental health, and that of others!
4. Block the bullies
Just block them. Find out how, and simply do it. toxic and malicious content is of course deeply unhealthy.
You can take this further to block those who don't support you as well. A rule of thumb I use is to only friend those people who I would enjoy cooking dinner for in my own home.
5. Keep perspective
The image people project on social media is often curated to give a certain impression. If that's you, you're running the risk of missing out on actually connecting with people. If you look at those profiles and feel envy, then you're running the risk of feeling inadequate.
Research shows that those who are more authentic, more "warts & all" are less stressed and feel more connected. Don't compete! Just be.
6. Take a break
If there's constant access tire's a constant state in you of being "on." Work and any other situation can spill into private time, or time reserved for another activity. Ensure you have a set period of time where your environment is controlled. Adjust your settings to create boundaries that ensure you can stay focussed, or relaxed, when you choose to.
7. Guard your sleep
It precious, and vital to your mental health! There's a strong correlation between those who access social media before sleep and sleep problems, poor productivity, and a low sense of wellbeing. Ideally, use the hour before bed to clear your mind, and allow your body to set itself to sleep mode.
8. Connect offline
Much of social media connection is the slight buzz from recognition. That's not as satisfying to the deep need humans have for connection, and is a poor substitute. Put the phone away, and connect in a human way to those around you.
It really is OK to step away from social media, to set boundaries, and to look after yourself!
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