Today's tip: Limit social media
We've all heard this one before, and, sometimes, it is easier said than done! However, now may be the best time to give it a try. Typically, social media is full of people only posting the picture-perfect aspects of their lives. These posts can leave viewers feeling inferior and unfulfilled. More recently, social media has been inundated with information (real or not!) about COVID-19. This bombardment of posts can heighten our fears about an already anxiety-provoking situation. On a normal day, limiting social media use can improve self-esteem, increase our time and productivity, and boost our ability to focus. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology showed limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day can significantly reduce loneliness and depression. COVID-19 may not have been around long enough for formal studies related to the virus and social media use. However, it is probably a safe assumption that too much time scrolling through posts about the pandemic are likely to increase our anxiety and panic.
So, how do you do it? Short answer is, however you want. Some people delete their accounts and cut it out "cold turkey." Others may choose to keep their accounts for the benefits, but they limit their use to a small amount of time per day. Some people may not trust themselves and may choose to use an app that limits the time for them. Another method may be to change other aspects of your life in order to reduce the amount of time available for social media use. For example, you could read books, increase time spent exercising, or go to bed earlier. You know yourself best, choose the approach you think will work for you!
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