The onslaught of constant information and feeling the need to keep keeping up can be overwhelming. The stress of receiving constant alerts and deciding which app to check first. From situations occurring globally to seeing posts from family and friends who appear to be having more fun than you are, it really is all too much.

But let’s face it, most of us agree that disconnecting completely from the news, the tweets, the posts and the podcasts is unrealistic. So instead of cutting it completely out, let’s cut it down. We have the power to decide when and where to get our information so that we can stay up-to-date, yet relaxed. We can pick and choose, identify which platforms bring us the most joy while still staying in the know. We can be happy scrollers.

Cutting down on social media use can seem limiting, but in actuality it’s freedom. The freedom to create a healthy relationship with social media and reduce any detrimental impact it’s having on our lives. And employing Harm Reduction, a method where practical strategies are used to minimize adverse effects associated with certain behaviors or activities rather than eliminating them altogether, can be the way to do it.

Start by making a list of the apps you’re registered with. Then log into each one and as you do, make a note of your feelings as you scroll through the posts. Do you feel good about what you’re seeing or are you becoming agitated? This will give you a guide to determine which will be the best to eliminate and the best to continue to engage with.

Then select the two or three apps that provide you with the most enjoyment and dump the rest. It may be rough, even feel like you’re losing a friend who’s always there. But what you’re really doing is cutting loose that friend who maybe is a little too snarky and less supportive than they could be. When you engage in social media you need to make sure it serves you and your mental health.

Let your friends and family know the platform you have chosen to engage with them and stick to it. And be aware of getting lost in social media comparison. Just because they are posting their best and brightest pictures and experiences doesn’t mean that your worth is any less than theirs. Remember, no one posts unflattering pics or a record of when things went south during their vacation time.

Create a social media schedule. Plan ahead for when you are best prepared to ingest the news of the day. You may like to start your morning getting in the know, or keep your morning sacred and use your lunch break to get caught up. Reinforce your new schedule by using app timers to restrict access during predetermined down times.

And if you find yourself experiencing FOMO? The important thing to remember is that the news will still be the same when you get there and family photos aren’t going anywhere. You can decide when and how you choose to be informed. As you grow accustomed to your new system of interacting with social media, you’ll find that cultivating a healthier relationship with it does wonders for managing your stress.

If you, someone you know or someone you work with needs support with interacting with social media in a healthy and productive way, The Recovery Coach NY is here to help. From Mental Health Coaches and Companions to Executive Function, Accountability and Academic Support our team comes with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek.

The Recovery Coach NY honors all paths of recovery with our years of experience and vast array of resources that can help those in need find the way to the life of joy and purpose they deserve. For information about these services as well as Recovery Coaches and Companions, Family Coaching, Safe Transport, Intervention and emergency services, contact Cindy directly via phone or text at 631-921-4085 or email.