About a week ago, I decided to take control of my mental health by spending less time on social media. Well, Instagram to be specific. I actually didn’t know I needed this until I did it. I just knew I wasn’t feeling good and going down a dark path. But let me tell you, the less time on Instagram was short but very purposeful and necessary.
Instagram was getting to me and in the really bad way. I wasn’t feeling good mentally and noticed myself on it ALL THE TIME so I decided to check my activity and I was averaging nearly 6 hours PER DAY. Yup, really bad. One day I went up to over 8 hours!!! I said NO, NOPE, THIS IS NOT IT. I went in the settings to create a 3 hours 30 min limit per day and I’m glad to report my new weekly average is 2 hours and 30 mins and ya girl is feeling MUCH BETTER mentally!
How It Made Me Feel Better
You might be asking how. How did 1 week of less social media use make me take control of my mental health and feel better? Well, sit tight, I’m about to tell ya’llllll.
Since I had less time to scroll on the gram, which negatively meant I was comparing myself to others, lowering my confidence level because everything on Instagram seems oh so perfect, oh and let’s not forget the HEAPS of self doubt sprinkled in there. But yes, with less time doing all this, I had more time to actually do the things that feed my soul, more time to take ACTION and not stare at the screen, more time to learn and most importantly, more time to be here, be present.
During this time, here are 5 things I did consistently that got me to focus and shift my mindset to feel a HUGE difference.
5 Ways I Took Control
- I watched and listened to SEVERAL inspirational videos on self worth, anxiety, comparison, and really look internal on why I feel certain ways. I took LOTS of notes so that I can remind myself later on when I feel low again.
- Joined a 2 day 8 hour conference on branding, monetizing the digital world, and just being freaking awesome. It was filled with about 15- 20 speakers and non-stop motivation, steps, major keys. It was called Accelerate 180 done by @KingAshleyAnn on IG. Go check her out! She (and all her friends) are bosses!
- I used an app called Sanvello for anxiety & depression. This app is great. It includes a variety of resources for journaling, meditation, breathing activities, soundscapes. I really love it!
- My all time favorite – I journaled. From taking notes from the videos I watched, to writing down my feelings and thoughts.
- I had nightly Eucalyptus showers with soundscapes! Wow! I mean, I always diffuse but eucalyptus + hot shower + ocean sounds + just me = HEAVENLY! Just try it. Get this diffuser and some oils from my amazon store here.
With all that, I’ve gained focus and feeling much better. Just a reminder though for you and myself, I feel great now but there will most definitely be more low days, and THAT’S OK!!
We have to check ourselves sometimes and know what feeds us and what doesn’t. Highs and lows are a part of life’s journey. But, it’s how we choose to overcome it. It’s knowing that we have the power to change what we do and what we think. We are in control! Don’t forget it on those down days. You recognize the low but then take over by sticking to a routine and acting on it, not sit in the low.
Watch More
For a little more on this, check out my video where I get deeper into my experience and include in detail all the resources I used to come out of my low.
Stay strong everyone!!! You will overcome whatever you’re facing. Sending so much love and light your way!!!
