Disengage from digital devices for 10 days in collaboration with Healthline and Psych Central's Digital Disconnect Challenge
In the midst of the pandemic, many people have reported a worsening of mental health conditions. A staggering 66% of these individuals believe that cutting down on social media usage could help alleviate their struggles, according to recent studies.
The impact of social media on happiness and self-image is a growing concern, with 86% of a sampling of 1,500 Americans reporting that it directly negatively affects these aspects, according to a 2021 survey by ExpressVPN.
A 2018 study found a direct link between decreasing social media usage and improvements in depression and loneliness. This connection has led to a call for healthier social media habits, with experts suggesting several alternative activities for connecting with others.
These alternatives include calling a friend or family member, inviting someone over for dinner or drinks, organizing a social event with friends, checking out Meetup.com for like-minded groups, volunteering, taking a class through a local Parks and Recreation Department, joining a community group, taking a goat yoga class, and playing a board game with friends or family.
For entertainment, individuals can explore options such as going to see live music, checking out an arcade, trying a paint your own pottery studio, learning an instrument, taking a dance or martial arts class, taking a hike, visiting a local museum, trying gardening, listening to a podcast, reading a book, and playing a board game with friends or family.
Relaxation activities include taking a walk, putting on music, setting the mood with candles or essential oils, reading a book, doodling or crafting, baking, playing with a pet, trying yoga or meditation, drinking a hot beverage, and looking at old photos.
The 10-Day Digital Disconnect Challenge, hosted by Healthline and Psych Central on Instagram, aims to help participants create a healthy relationship with social media. Over a 10-day period, participants will engage in interactive journal prompts, digital boundary-setting tips, and social media truths.
The challenge is not just about stepping away from social media, but also about setting an example for mindful, authentic posting. This includes skipping the filter, showcasing the real you, posting photos of the "messy" moments, reminding others in captions that you're a real person with flaws, hang-ups, and insecurities, posting encouraging comments on others' posts, and posting about taking breaks to remind others they can do the same.
Crystal Hoshaw, a mother, writer, and longtime yoga practitioner, shares mindful strategies for self-care through online courses at SimpleWildFree.com and can be followed on Instagram.
A 2021 pilot study of 68 university students found that most students reported a positive change in mood, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep during and immediately after a break from social media. Conversely, a 2022 cross-national online survey found that those who used social media for entertainment or to decrease loneliness during the pandemic experienced poorer mental health.
In a Healthline survey, 25% of respondents said social media has a negative effect on their mental well-being, and 53% said cutting down on usage could help. It seems that the time has come for many to reconsider their relationship with social media and explore alternative ways to connect, relax, and entertain themselves.
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