Summer social media blues? You’re not alone
Summer can be a tough time on social media. So here are some tips for staying connected without feeling envious.
With the warmer weather, it seems like everyone is doing something exciting. But what if you're stuck at work or struggling with personal challenges? If you're not feeling your best, logging into your socials can sting.
To help you get through the 'summer social media blues,' here are some simple ways to stay connected without it getting you down.
Take a close look at who you're following
Scroll through your feed and stop to absorb what you're seeing.
It's one thing to follow friends, family, or influencers/brands that you like – but are there people who consistently post content that makes you feel… not so great?
Maybe you enjoy the idea of following these people, but the actual content leaves a sour taste. Try not to over-analyze or question your gut reaction. If something feels icky, that's a good enough reason to leave it behind.
You can opt to unfollow someone or choose to 'hide' their posts from your feed. If the posts are from a close friend or family member – and you don't want to make things awkward by unfollowing – make a mental note to scroll quickly past their content in the future, or hide posts from this person if you can.
Turn off notifications
When your phone is constantly lighting up, it can be hard to manage what you're seeing and the amount of time you spend on social media.
Turn off your notifications so that you're not being frequently reminded about what everyone else is doing; this will make it easier to get through the season.
Keep perspective
Remember that social media is only a tiny part of someone's story. You're seeing perhaps 0.1% of their day – a fleeting moment in time. It might look like everyone on your feed is leading extraordinary lives, but the reality could be very different.
This isn't about wishing ill on others – or hoping that people are having a tough time – instead, it's about acknowledging that social media only shows you snippets of people's journeys.
Take a break
If all else fails, try cutting back your time on social media. Switch off your notifications and take a break.
Use the time you usually spend on social media to do something that makes you feel good instead.
Here are some ideas:
Spend time in nature
Catch up with friends or family
Cook a delicious meal from scratch
Move your body in a way that feels good – dance, run, stretch!
Take a nap
Read a book or magazine
Watch some comedy online
Volunteer for a cause you care about
Get a massage