It was a typical uneventful weeknight, and as I scrolled through social media while half-watching another episode of the latest true crime series on Netflix, I had a sort of out-of-body experience. I saw myself sitting there, being consumed by things that were zapping my energy and bringing me down, sinking deeper and deeper into the sofa cushion. I tossed my phone to the side and shut off Netflix. What am I doing?
It never ceases to amaze me how I sometimes fall into habits that are unhealthy and don’t align with who or how I want to be. Yet, I don’t seem to recognize the habit until I am knee-deep into it. “What am I doing?” is a great question to ask ourselves as often as we can.
It’s never too late to pay attention and change course. And that’s exactly what I did. I deleted all accounts from social media that didn’t make me laugh, connect me to nature, or help me learn something new. I began putting my phone in another room whenever I watched something on a streaming service, limited the number of murder shows I took in, and watched more shows that made me laugh.
In today’s digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. While it has the potential to connect us with others and provide a platform for self-expression, it can also be a source of stress and negativity. I’ve found the key to harnessing the positive aspects of social media lies in mindful usage. Here are some ways to curate your social media experience to better support who you want to be.
- Follow Inspiring and Positive Accounts
Motivational Speakers and Authors: There are so many to choose from! A daily dose of inspiration can be great—just make sure to check in with how it really makes you feel and only stay with accounts that have a positive effect on you.
Nature Accounts: I love following accounts that showcase the beauty of nature and wildlife. Find nature or animal photography accounts that evoke a calming and soothing response.
Artists and Creatives: Art can be a great source of joy. Look for artists who share their work and inspire you to tap into your creative side.
Well-being: Follow accounts that provide accurate information on mental health and wellness and speak to the parts of you that need some kindness and attention.
- Set Boundaries
Time Management: Use apps or built-in features on your devices to monitor and limit your screen time. Allocate specific times of the day for social media and try not to multitask.
Content Control: Unfollow or mute accounts that bring negativity into your feed.
By choosing to follow positive and inspiring accounts, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging mindfully, you can transform your social media experience into a tool for good that helps support who and how you want to be. Remember, it’s your feed, your choices. #DoItYourWay
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