PROTECTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHILE WORKING IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media affects us mentally. We all know this and have read the research that backs it up. Posts of friends highlight reels + small business success instill imposter syndrome and unwillingly force us to compare ourselves to others. Add the stress of the pandemic to the mix, and you’ve really got yourself a problem.
Thankfully, there are ways to address the stress induced by social media. Let me walk you through how I try to protect my mental health while working in the social media space.
So, how do I protect myself?
For most creatives a complete social media cleanse is not a viable long-term option. However, I have compiled a list of ways that you can help yourself from getting sucked into the void of socials and maintain a healthy balance. So buckle up, and let’s get into it!
Focus on Yourself
Practice mindfulness and define work-life boundaries. This can manifest itself in a multitude of ways. Try going on a walk, take some time to meditate with Headspace, or block off time to read that book you've been meaning to get to.
Mix Up Your Routine.
Adding a workout routine to boost endorphins is never a bad idea, plus it helps combat any FOMO-related depression brought on by scrolling. Reconnect with old friends, or take some time to chef-up a new lunch recipe. Create that playlist based on the new song you just heard. Get your eyes off the screen for a bit and let yourself enjoy life.
Limit Social Media Usage
We are all experts at social distancing. Why not apply that same distancing mindset to our online presence? Working from home has made it easy to work continuously, all day. Try and monitor your screen time. I have personally found it beneficial to set time restrictions on my work hours. Setting standard work hours for yourself forces you to unplug and log off. You can also set app timers to prevent yourself from scrolling after hours.
What Should I Avoid for My Mental Well-Being?
Now that we know how to combat the “social media blues”, let’s focus on ways to avoid them altogether. Here are some tips to help steer clear of all those negative feelings.
Stop Following Accounts That Don't Make You Happy
Try to “Marie Kando” your feed. If someone’s content isn't bringing you joy, simply mute or unfollow. You are in control of who you follow so make the content you are consuming work for you. Follow accounts that uplift and stimulate your mind. If you find yourself coveting someone’s lifestyle in a way that is not inspiring you, give them the boot and hit that unfollow button! I also find it helpful to not follow accounts just in my industry, I love following interior design, cooking, and fashion content.
Stop Overdoing Your Workload
It can be difficult to turn down prospective clients. Fun fact, if you are overwhelmed, it is in YOUR power to say no! (This is something I have to remind myself of daily) Only accept an offer if you have the time to utilize the full extent of your effort. Remember what we previously discussed, and make sure you are blocking out free time for yourself!
Trigger Words and Hurtful Comments
Most sites allow users to filter the content to match their personal preferences. Twitter and Instagram have tools that permit the blocking of certain words or hashtags. So, if you don’t want someone commenting hateful words on your fire thirst traps on Insta, head to settings, tap “Privacy and Securities,” and check under “Comment Controls.”
Stop Trying to Make Everyone Happy
Your feed is just that, your feed!. Post what you want, be authentically you. Take jobs that let your creative energy shine. If someone is trying to stamp out your creative light, let it go. Take on new virtues that flex your creative muscle.
