Social-Media and Stress
With the summer approaching and everyone having different definitions of how they will spend their break, TeenHealth FX wants to remind you that social media is not always what it seems. Social media is a screenshot of the highlights of someone’s day or summer. Realistically, no one is going to be posting their “do-nothing” days or their bad days to social media for everyone to see. But everyone has some good days and some bad days so do not compare your day to theirs.
There is a strong connection between social media and stress because social media increases feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and dissatisfaction. In turn, these feelings negatively affect your mood and worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. If you are spending an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are impacting your life, it may be time to re-examine your online habits (who you are following, how do they make you feel, are certain apps less enjoyable than others, comments, and / or screen time) and find a healthier balance. Reminder, balance looks like keeping a close connection to real life experiences and things that bring you joy, satisfaction, and peace. While also, recharging for the upcoming school year.
Ways to Get Off of Social-Media in the Summertime:
- Read
- Have a picnic with friends and / or family
- Go for a walk (take your pet if you have one)
- Go for a bike ride
- Journal
- Color
- Try new restaurants / foods with friends
- Try a new activity (mini golf, bowling, go-karting, tennis, gardening, cooking, food festivals, etc.)
- Go to the beach or hang out at a friend's pool or community pool
- Reorganize your space
- Get a summer job or volunteer
TeenHealth FX wants to remind you to stay safe and wear sunscreen this summer!
Do not go anywhere without a friend and always communicate with a trusted adult where you will be and what time you will be out until!
