Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, youth need to take care of themselves and support each other. However, managing mental wellness is easier said than done, given the sometimes overstimulating and overwhelming environments we engage in. As youth, these environments include both in-school, out-of-school, and digital environments, with an increasing emphasis on technology.
So much of our lives as teens and young adults revolve around social media platforms and digital profiles; we create conversations and consume content. From my experience, these platforms have a lot of influence on our minds and bodies, whether we know it or not. Of course, there are good and bad impacts of the age of social media, and not everyone is as susceptible to its negatives, but regardless, spending some time unplugging from our devices and apps would do us all some good in recharging.
From my experience as someone who has struggled in the past with mental health issues such as self-worth anxiety and body image issues from simple and often subconscious things like body/life comparison, I can attest to how damaging some of the content can be for your mental health. Though not in all cases, particular misinformation and toxicity promoted by social media marketers and influence (and even your friends at times) can lead to severe cases of body image issues/eating disorders and depression. With social media's more significant and subtle risks, everyone should develop healthy coping skills, time passes, and hobbies that boost your body's health and preserve your happiness and wellbeing.
For me, here are some things I do to disconnect and balance my online social media usage and my health apart from that:
My favorite hobby is probably painting, drawing, or taking on a creative project. This could include pottery, painting a canvas, or even redecorating my room. These crafts allow me to pass the time and focus on something I like doing with a specific goal, so my brain isn't wasted mindlessly scrolling for hours on TikTok or Instagram.
Another thing I like to do is go for a walk, work out, or stretch/do some yoga. Not only does being active and moving your body keep you healthy, but it also helps to boost your productivity later and (hopefully) distracts you from whatever new trend or post is circulating on your social media platforms.
The last thing that I do sometimes and recommend benefitting my mental health offline is journaling. I like to journal in the morning and before bed to help clear my thoughts and reflect on my day. While journaling, I explore and look forward to things I'd sometimes forgotten that even existed. This works in your favor because you can look at your day ahead with goals set and a sense of comfort and clarity you can only get from being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and desires/goals. Journaling is also an excellent way to express your feelings or cope when you are struggling or trying to find the source or solution to a problem. Similarly, if journaling isn't for you, there is always the option to read a book of some kind to promote a similar type of (healthy) brain stimulation and thought you'd get from journaling.
To me, prioritizing my mental health is number one, and even if social media is tempting, I try to stay grounded in my goals and values and engage in spaces that I think would most benefit my long-term wellbeing. You might get hit with a lot of FOMOS or impulsive thoughts when trying to detach, which is okay because we're all human, but slowly trying to find coping skills and activities that allow you to take care of yourself outside your digital world is 100 percent worth.
Lastly, as mental health awareness month approaches, remember to reach out to your family and friends and support each other in your journeys to a healthy mind and wellbeing.