The Scoop on Social Media & Your Health
Written by: Keriann Hill, CFW Health Fitness Program Manager
If you’re anything like me, you have experienced both a love and hate relationship with social media. Some moments I’m enjoying connecting with old friends, liking and commenting on posts, and sharing content of my own. Other times, I get sucked into an endless stream of scrolling, realize that two hours have gone by, and wonder how I ended up online shopping for something I don’t need!
In doing some research, professionally and personally, I’ve found that I am not alone in feeling both the positive and negative effects of social media. A research scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health explains that when we routinely use social media, and are mindful of our usage, it can have a positive impact on our health. The danger, however, lies in the emotional connection to social media, ie: excessive usage/checking, falling prey to feelings of missing out, negatively comparing your life to others, etc.
When we practice mindfulness surrounding our social media usage, we can often keep the needless comparison, mindless scrolling, and bad moods at bay. Here are a few tips to ensure your social media usage impacts your health in a positive way!
1. Clean Up Your Feed:
Unfollow accounts that bring you down or dampen your mood. Follow those who inspire you, make you smile, and enhance your life. There are plenty of health/wellness/fitness accounts (CFW included) who will provide motivational and educational content sure to inspire you to live your best life!
2. Connect Instead of Compare:
It’s easy to compare yourself to others on social media. Their life, body, talents, etc might cause you to look negatively at yourself. Instead of comparing, connect! Comment on someone’s post, give out a compliment, or engage with someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
3. Set Limits/Take Breaks:
Be intentional about your usage. If you notice yourself developing unhealthy habits, set time limits for social media use. Taking can also be beneficial. Breaks can be minutes, hours, or even days!
As we are finding ourselves turning to social media more and more, it's important do do these three simple steps to maintain a healthy social media habits.This month, our content writers are bringing you some tips and tricks for mindful social media usage.