Social media for many seems to be accidentally addictive. A long time ago I wasn’t on social media at all for many years because I knew it would bring me down and make me feel like I was missing out on something, someone, or some event. Many years later I have social media, although I am strategic in which ones I use and how I can best manage my mental health and wellbeing. The following are strategies I use to make sure I am sensible on social media, so I don’t become burnt out and addicted and then eventually depressed and anxious because of it.

· Have boundaries so you say ‘no’ to social media. I have firm rules that I follow most of the time so they’re more like guidelines. I use social media after 5pm and not before and I make sure I’m not online for more than a few minutes, so I’m not scrolling for hours. If I’m not feeling up to it then I skip social media that day and return to it a day, days or a week later when I am.

· Create content that matters (to you, and or to others). When I’m online I want to make the most of my time so I create content that invites people in, and so they can be a part of it in some way. It might be a reflective question or a new podcast episode that has been released where I was in it, but I try and include my followers somehow as much as possible because no one likes a showoff, diva or a person that thinks they’re a god.

· Have time to connect with others, yourself, or your network. When I’m offline I try and connect in some way with someone I know that appreciates spending time with me. For example, recently I saw a movie with a friend, and it was good to see the movie, but also see a friend. I’m not a massive movie goer because it’s hard to socialise, but the movie was good- The Little Mermaid featuring Halle Bailey.

· Have other boundaries for social media, such as not having apps on your phone, or having fewer social media apps on your phone. I haven’t downloaded any social media apps on my phone so I’m less likely to get distracted because those opportunities don’t exist as much. Facebook was already preinstalled on my phone but because I’m not a user of social media on my phone anyway the likelihood of me using the Facebook app is less.

What are some ways you implement good mental health practice when it comes to social media use?

– Suzanna Poredos

A List Socialite