From choosing who to unfollow to detoxing —10 tips to create better times on social media
GIVE your social media feed a mindset makeover.
Our screen time has gone through the roof as a result of lockdown, with more than FOUR HOURS becoming the average time spent on phones each day.
So with all that time scrolling, it’s important we make our social feeds a positive place.
But following uplifting accounts is not the only thing to consider.
Psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick, author of The Little Book Of Calm, today shares his top ten tricks to think about when curating a happy timeline.
SELF AWARENESS
Understanding yourself and your values are importing when making sure your feed benefits you.
Before a flick through TikTok or Instagram, monitor how you feel during and after checking your timeline.
Use this as guidance on what you want to see more of and what makes you feel discouraged.
HAVE CONTROL
Be proactive about how and what you check. Curbing what you check will allow you to keep on top of the content you are exposing yourself to.
Use the search tool when you are after something specific, otherwise stick to only scrolling your timeline. This reduces the risk of ending up on your mate’s partner’s sister’s account for their dog.
UPLIFTING CONTENT
Social platforms should be a fun distraction – so create a timeline that nourishes you.
Find a balance between entertaining and informative, as well as inspirational accounts that motivate you.
There are plenty of profiles that promote body positivity, tackle taboos, inspire or support – so ensure you find a range to fill your feed.
GET ARTY
Illustrators are becoming increasingly popular on platforms such as Instagram, with a whole host of artists that specialise in comedy, empowerment or just alluring visuals.
Do a bit of research and find those that speak to you. They will make your timeline more interesting or even get your own creativity flowing.
NAVIGATE NEGATIVITY
Sometimes unfollowing accounts can be difficult – particularly if they are in your social circles.
But if you still want to stay on top of feeds that may be stressful, for instance some news channels, make sure you only visit them when prepared and for a limited period of time.
You can always mute personal accounts too so you don’t see any of their posts – they’ll never know.
DON’T BE REACTIVE
Occasionally we can come across posts or tweets that infuriate us.
But don’t contribute to the furore – this will only aggravate you further and make it worse. Best to ignore it, and if it’s repeated, block or mute. Reacting will only make you feel worse in the long run.
REACH OUT
Socialising is the original point of these platforms, after all.
So revert back to basics and use them to get in touch with distant family members and old mates.
Platforms like Facebook are good for setting up groups to organise a school reunion.
REGULAR AUDIT
Every three or six months, have a scroll through who you follow and unfollow those that aren’t contributing to what you’re looking for in your feed.
Our mindsets are always changing, so what you once found enjoyable you might not any more.
BE DISCIPLINED
Make sure to take time off social media. Better that it’s a few hours every day than a week-long detox as this is easier to commit to.
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Giving yourself an allowance on how much time to spend on certain platforms will help create balance in your life and not get too absorbed in the virtual world.
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KEEP IT REAL
Most importantly, get most of your social interaction in real life. Social media should be an interesting add-on, but shouldn’t take the place of IRL relationships.
And don’t keep everything public – if you want a more intimate contact with friends and family then have a private account so you can monitor who follows you.
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