Chances are you check your smartphone first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
That mindless flick through your social media apps has become a habit that’s hard to break.
We now spend six hours 26 minutes a day on the internet, according to a Digital 2021 report by We Are Social and Hootsuite.
That’s an increase of 58 minutes from last year thanks, at least in part – if not wholly – to the series of Covid-related lockdowns. This equates to one full day more per month online.
Social media use in particular is also up, with the report revealing that YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp are the UK’s most used social platforms for users aged 16 to 64 years.
There’s no denying social media has been a life-saver during the pandemic, but a reliance on it can have a detrimental effect on your mental health, affecting everything from self-esteem, to loneliness, brain health and sleep.
However, what about the benefits when it’s used mindfully?
Daisy Morris is the founder of social media marketing agency The Selfhood. As a digital marketing strategist, she has had to find ways to use technology without letting it affect her mental health.
She believes that, during the pandemic, using social media has not only been a lifeline for many people, but a positive force, too – and she is passionate about advocating for the mindful consumption of it.
‘Social media is about so much more than likes, follows and selling to people,’ she says. ‘It can be a really powerful tool when used correctly.
‘It can create real connections, drive positive change and foster supportive micro-communities. So often social media gets bad press, but rarely do we see the positives.
‘From a business perspective, I have seen lots of people made redundant who have then gone on to birth new creative ventures that have been hugely successful on social media. Then there are the amazing stories about long-lost relatives reconnecting, viral fundraisers, communities born and awareness raised. Social media is full of opportunity when used correctly.’
The world is online right now but mindful consumption is about regaining control of mindless scrolling and doom scrolling.
‘Doom scrolling is when you consume a lot of negative news at once,’ says Daisy. ‘This has been a big problem over the last year due to the constant influx of worrying updates and it is detrimental to your health.’
Having experienced digital burnout personally, Daisy has launched the campaign ‘Check Yourself Before Your Notifications’ with two Mind-associated mental health charities. ‘It encourages you to check in with how you’re feeling before you start mindlessly scrolling,’ she says.
‘Social media is a showreel, someone’s glossy feed. It’s not a true reflection of their life and can have a real impact on how you feel about yourself and your life. That’s why it’s important to check in with yourself before going online –because how you feel mentally is way more important than keeping up with the Kardashians.’
It’s thought that the average Brit checks their phone as much as 28 times a day. It’s easy to fall into the trap of scrolling to kill time, so how exactly can you check social media mindfully?
Daisy says it’s about finding new people to network with. ‘You need to find your tribe. There’s a social media community, group or page for everyone. Find like-minded people who you can relate to and who can support you with their content,’ she explains.
‘Fostering relationships with real people can be really helpful and empowering.
‘Find accounts that promote positivity, wellbeing and balance. Have a clear out of accounts that offer up negative content and take a break from social media if you need to. Too much of anything is toxic and social media can be very draining.’
Looking for ways to ensure you use social media mindfully? Daisy shares her ideas…
- ‘Find accounts that inspire you. Fill your feed with joy and block/mute accounts that drain you.’
- ‘Do not be afraid to network. It is the whole point of social media.’
- ‘Find your voice. If you see someone doing something you admire, tell them. You could make someone’s day.’
Five feel good apps to try
Powerful Grace Club
A safe, online community of women sharing skills, knowledge and ideas about how to improve their lives through exercise and wellbeing.
Plus there are fitness classes.
Free to download, classes from £5, powerfulgraceclub.com
Clementine
This offers a mix of bite-sized hypnotherapy ‘pick me up’ sessions (confidence, sleep etc) to reduce stress and boost mental wellbeing.
£8.99 a month, clementineapp.com
Just Breathe
A mindfulness app designed to help calm the mind and ease the stress and anxiety in your busy life.
£8.99 per month (free when prescribed by a medical practitioner), justbreatheproject.com
Spiritune
A music-based app that uses music therapy and neuroscience to reduce stress, regulate emotions and boost productivity, performance and sleep.
£9.99 per month, spiritune.com
Mindshine
Using mental fitness exercises from neuroscience and psychology,
this gives you the tools to boost confidence, productivity and happiness.
Introduction free; three month plan, £29.99, mindshine.app
To talk about mental health in an open, judgement-free space, join Metro.co.uk’s Facebook group, Mentally Yours.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.
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