How to Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
Like many other aspects of our lives, social media isn’t good or bad in and of itself—it’s how we use it that determines whether it helps us or hurts us. Since social media is an integral part of many people’s social lives, jobs, and educational endeavors, it’s important to know how to cultivate a healthy relationship with it. Use these tips to help you make sure that your social media use has a positive impact on your mental and emotional health.
Limit Social Media Time
Decide how much time you want to spend on social media, and limit yourself to a set number of minutes or a particular time each day. If you find yourself losing track of how long you’ve been online, set an alarm to remind you when it’s time to log off. Make a special effort to avoid social media right before bed, or when you’re spending time with others.
Have a Purpose when Checking Social Media
Before you sign on, decide what you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to see the photos from a family member’s vacation, wish your friend a happy birthday, or doublecheck the location of a social event. Having a purpose when checking social media can help you avoid getting distracted by posts that aren’t meaningful to you.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Remember that people usually post exciting and fun moments, and that what you see on social media isn’t representative of their whole lives. Chances are, they struggle with many of the same things you do. Celebrate the good times in the lives of others, and only follow and friend people whose posts uplift and encourage you.
Be Honest with Yourself
The only person who truly knows how social media affects you is yourself. Social media can become a habit, so before you spend time online, check in with yourself to see if that’s really what you want to do. If you’d rather go for a walk, read a book, call a friend, or bake a treat—make those experiences your priority. And if you find that you’re struggling to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media, feel free to reach out to a member of our team for support. We’re here to help!
