A Healthline survey recently found that 25% of people say social media negatively impacts their mental well-being, and more than half (53%) believe cutting down on social media use could improve their mental health. Other studies have found that social media use can worsen loneliness, depression, anxiety, self-worth and quality of sleep. Despite this, many people turn to social media out of habit or to relax.
Consider the following tips for reducing social media use:
- Find alternative sources of relaxation. If you turn to social media to help you unwind, try exchanging it for another activity, such as walking, reading, crafting, listening to music, baking, yoga, meditating or playing with a pet.
- Try other ways to connect. If you use social media to communicate with others, consider alternatives, like volunteering, calling friends or family, inviting people over for dinner, joining community clubs, chatting with neighbors or taking an exercise class.
- Seek other means of entertainment. Engage in other forms of entertainment. For example, try listening to podcasts, reading, learning something new, or going to a local museum or art show.
Setting Boundaries
For some, quitting social media altogether may be an unrealistic goal. Focus instead on creating a healthy relationship with social media by:
- Unfollowing accounts that leave you with negative emotions
- Deleting any negative comments or messages
- Striving not to compare yourself to others
- Prioritizing your mental health
If social media hurts your mental health, take a break and try an alternative source of entertainment, connection and relaxation.
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