Today's Focus: Social Media Mindfulness

We’ve all been there: We open a social media app and suddenly, without noticing, half an hour has passed. In our hyper-connected world, social media can be a double-edged sword. While they keep us connected, they can also lead to feelings of overwhelm, comparison, and distraction. In practising digital mindfulness, we can learn how to use these platforms intentionally, ensuring they add value to our lives rather than detracting from it.

Being mindful of how we interact on social media can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, promoting a kind of engagement that is positive, purposeful, and aligns with your core values.

Today’s Activity: Mindful Social Media Engagement 

• Before opening a social media app you use regularly, pause to set a clear intention. Ask yourself what you hope to gain from this session.

• Focus on meaningful interactions. Instead of passive scrolling, engage with content that truly interests you or brings positivity.

• After using the app, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Did the experience add value, or did it leave you feeling drained or anxious?

Lara’s new social media ritual: Lara realised that she often used social media to fill moments of the day, not realising that these few minutes actually left her feeling even more stressed. She decided to unfollow certain accounts on Instagram and installed an app blocker that only allowed her to use the app for 20 minutes in her break time and evening.  

More ways to engage more mindfully with social media: 

• Block apps you overuse
  Are there social media apps you often use mindlessly? Why not try using an app blocker like Opal (iOS) or Appblock (Android) and blocking apps during times of the day when you want to be fully present and focused.

• Curate your feed
  Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative emotions or don't align with your values. Instead, follow accounts that inspire, educate, and uplift you.

• Social media sabbatical
  Take regular breaks from social media, whether it's a day each week, every weekend, or a full week each month. Use this time to engage in other fulfilling activities.

• Designated times
  Allocate specific times of the day for social media use, such as during a mid-morning break or in the evening. Avoid using social media first thing in the morning or right before bed.

Remember:

• Digital mindfulness on social media is about making these platforms work for you, not against you. It’s about fostering connections and content that uplift and inspire, rather than leaving you feeling depleted.

See you on Day 8!