Why I've Kept Social Media

I go back and forth about social media, as evidenced by the posts I have written about it over the years. While I can definitely use social media too much, it also has its benefits. Here are some of the current reasons I have decided to keep my accounts:

1) Instagram is a place for me to play. I enjoy taking photos, curating my feed, and even making things to post on it, like my current Friday scripture posts.

2) Social media helps me stay connected. Yes, I can get too connected, but at the same time, it gives me ways to keep in contact with people I care about, even at a distance. If I am wise, I can use what I see on social media to prompt me to pray.

3) I learn things. I have probably learned more about running and running nutrition through Instagram than anywhere else. I can absorb the short bits of information and then research more if I wish. Social media also helps me discover new recipes, find interesting reads, and learn new kitchen hacks. These benefit my live overall.

4) Social media plugs me into a place. Our city posts a lot of hidden gems on their social media accounts. They also post contests and prizes, one of which we recently won!

5) Information is fast. I often see notifications of new blogs, city news, etc. on social media before I see it elsewhere. I definitely have to fact check information, as fast information is not always true, but nonetheless, social media can apprise me of current happenings.

6) Social media is a form of exposure therapy. I can pick apart every picture I take, whether it be of food or flowers or people. Posting encourages me to accept the imperfections I see and enjoy the creativity and connection I get via posting.

7) I can encourage. Social media is definitely a place where people cut each other down, but does it have to be? Why not make it a place of encouragement? I still see social media as a street corner from which to proclaim hope, the ultimate hope of which is found in the gospel.

8) Social media is a funnel. Julia Turshen pointed this out in a recent podcast (Harrison, 2023). I post links to my blog through Facebook. Pinterest and other platforms can point me to things that interest me. Again, I can overuse social media and go down the “rabbit hole,” but when I don't it is pretty handy!

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Will I keep social media forever? Not necessarily. Life is a series of evolutions and evaluations. (For example, I primarily use Instagram now, whereas I used to primarily use Facebook. Who knows what it will be years from now). May the Lord give wisdom as I continue to weigh what works for me.

Reference:

Harrison, C. (Host). (2023, June 19). Cooking without wellness rules and how social media is like diet culture with Julia Turshen (no. 10). [Audio podcast episode]. In Rethinking wellness. https://rethinkingwellness.substack.com/p/10-cooking-without-wellness-rules

My Prescription for Good Mental Health

I wrote this post awhile ago, as life and work got a little crazy. I'm revisiting it now and realizing how much I need a dose of good mental health. I've stopped doing some of these things, but I need to start again.

1. Three rows of crochet: I don't get to this every day, but overall, it's an activity that calms my brain (by crossing the center line, EMDR folks) and makes me feel like I've accomplished something for the day. More than three rows is not good self-care because of my "dystonia."

2. Positive mental input via podcasts and radio: In the midst of external criticism and feelings of inadequacy, filling my mind with the good stuff (aka crowding out the criticism) is vital.

3. Daily Scripture intake: Usually via reading, but sometimes via the audio One Year Bible recording. If I'm not starting the day with truth, I'm starting the day with no foundation

4. Good nutrition: It's easy to forget eating or eat junk when I'm busy, but neither turn out very well. Meal prep and snacks are vital during this time

5. Comfy clothes: When days are long, it's not good to be uncomfortable. I'm not talking sloppy here, but wearing clothes that fit and cover me thoroughly is vital to survival. Layers are also helpful for the widely varying temperatures in Arizona.

6. Floor sitting: There's got to be some science behind this, but sitting on the floor (usually to crochet) winds me down and helps me relax before bed.

7. No social media during nighttime snack: Scrolling Instagram or Pinterest before bed isn't a good idea. I'm in a brain-numbed state and I can't seem to stop. And if I do it while eating, I often violate point four by eating junk food mindlessly.

8. Crosswords: The antidote to my social media scrolling. These engage my brain and help me not think about the day past or the day future, or much else but my intense drive to finish. (Yes, I'm competitive with myself.)

9. Creative outlets: I need to make and create, even if I'm not an artist. This also goes back to number one, but also feeds into my need to make fabric cards and cook.

10. Prayer: I often don't want to do this, but I need to, and before the crisis, not after or during. Prayer is my power connection, as well as a way to calm my mind and remind myself that I'm not in control.

11. Yoga: I am trying to get back into practicing, at least once a week. Yoga is a good way to create a quiet space to detox mind, body, and spirit. It is also a way to stretch and unwind the kinks that build up in my body after a log week of work.

I'm not saying that I'm perfect, or even that I practice these things well, but I think it's important to make a list, to realize what works and what doesn't, so on those bad days I can remind myself to "take the pill" of my prescription for good mental health and chill.

What is your prescription for good mental health? Please share in the comments section.

*This post is inspired by Georgie Morely of In It For the Long Run.