It is no secret that our world is filled with technology and social media has been a big part of it. Social media can be a wonderful tool to keep connected to your loved ones who live far away. The other side of it is that social media presents challenges that can impact our mental well-being. I have experienced this myself; I notice the more time I spend scrolling on social media the lower my mood tends to be and I feel disconnected from my present life. Today, I invite you to embark on a journey to reflect on your relationship with social media with curiosity.
Be Curious With Social Media Usage
First, I want you to spend time observing how much time you may spend on social media. This is not to bring shame or judgment but rather curiosity and awareness. By understanding your current habits with social media, you can begin to make meaningful changes.
Begin by reflecting on your daily habits. Do you notice you pick up your phone immediately when you wake up and begin scrolling on social media? Or perhaps you may scroll for a few hours once you get off of work or school. Consider whether these patterns align with your current values and goals. This is about gaining insight into how social media fits into your life presently and its impact on your overall well-being.
Social Media Usage and Your Emotions
I invite you, once you have awareness of your patterns, to notice when you tend to reach for your phone. Maybe you are feeling anxious, stressed, or sad and grabbing your phone and scrolling is a way to distract yourself or perhaps find comfort. It can be secondhand nature to get on social media as a way to avoid, and this is good insight for you if this is a pattern. Remember, we explore this with curiosity over shame.
If you notice these patterns, I encourage you to begin to meet your emotional needs in other ways. If you are feeling stressed, instead of immediately logging onto social media, I invite you to practice exploring why you may be feeling this way. Perhaps you have had a long day at work. Once you recognize this, I challenge you to practice exploring what you may need. If you need rest after a long day at work, maybe try mindfulness for five minutes or close your eyes and lay down.
Again, social media is not inherently bad, but it is helpful to begin to explore how we may be using social media in maladaptive ways.
Find a Balanced Approach
Once you have recognized these patterns and behaviors, the goal here is to not completely eliminate social media, but instead try finding a balance. This could look like setting intentional boundaries (ie only using social media for 1 hour a day or not picking up your phone every time you have a break). Or you could allow yourself designated time for scrolling.
This way you can enjoy the benefits of social media without letting it consume your time and energy. It is about finding a middle ground that feels supportive to you and aligns with your values.
This exercise is to provide you with insight and helpful tools to move forward in health with your relationship with social media. We could all benefit from taking time to explore our phone usage and give ourselves appropriate breaks as needed. Your mental health is important and by taking these small steps, you are making intentional choices that will help improve your relationship with the digital world.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I am capable of making meaningful changes in my life.”
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
