Social Media and Mental Health
Cator Sparks, Boon Coach
While we all love seeing what our friends and family are up to on social media, the time on the apps can take a toll. There are countless studies out there finding that social media has caused more loneliness, isolation, and depression. There are certainly benefits to social media including finding community, promoting causes you believe in, artistic inspiration and discovering new restaurants, shops, and events. Yet there are many negatives such as cyber bullying, self-absorption, losing focus on work/school/reality, and even sleeping and depression issues.
Finding a balance is paramount.
Here are some tips:
Limit your time on social media. Be conscious of when you are on and for how long. Maybe try 30 min in the morning and 30 minutes at night. You find what works for you.
Turn off all of your alerts. All of these companies' goal is to keep you constantly engaged, so don’t let them! Go into your phone and computer settings and turn off all alerts for social media. That way you look at them when you want to, not because they are telling you to.
Unfollow people or companies that don’t bring you joy. Following your ex is not helping you move on and following the dude who shows off his six pack constantly is probably not helping your body image. Find quality content that is uplifting, interesting, and makes you happy.
Be sure to balance apps and IRL friends and family. Be sure to make plans with friends and family to see each other in person which is so much more beneficial than just ‘liking’ their posts.
If you really need a break, remove the apps from your phone so you can only check them on your computer.
When scrolling, stop and think, ‘Is this serving me?’ If not, shut it down and find something else to do with your time (like reading a hard copy magazine or even getting out for some exercise!)
If you see employees struggling with social media or hear about them feeling lonely, isolated, or feeling less than because of the apps, Boon is a great resource for employees to connect with a life coach and work on better ways to spend their time and find more self love, and social skills to bring them joy in the workplace and in their private life.
Interested in learning more about how Boon can help you and your teams? Schedule a Demo.
