Social media platforms are some of the most powerful marketing and communications tools in the world. But they can also be some of the most dangerous for your mental health. So how do you manage your own wellbeing when your office is Instagram?
Become part of the solution.
More and more celebs are using their platforms to speak out about mental health topics, and you can, too. Tune into certain mental health markers throughout the year, like Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Plan content that addresses mental health issues that may be personal to you. Even speak into a mental health journey that you or someone you know has faced. “Young people are turning to Instagram and Facebook to find and offer support through tough times…” Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, recently told WWD.com. Speaking out is one way to tackle mental health online. Providing resources is another. A new support network called The Mental Health Coalition, founded by Kenneth Cole, is a group comprised of powerful influencers who are aiming to leverage Facebook and Instagram to actually provide mental health aids to others. Get involved, make a donation, or use the donate feature in insta stories to support a charity focused on mental health advocacy.
Stick to a calendar.
Do your followers want the un-edited, authentic version of you? That’s a tall order, and those demands can quickly take over your nights and weekends. You’re allowed to guard parts of your personal life. Rely on a content calendar for those days when you just don’t feel like sharing your routine. When you have planful content on-deck and ready for use, it takes the pressure off and allows you to have some breathing room. We know that breaks from social are proven to be really great for mental health restoration, but it’s also a tricky thing to accomplish when your job is to post. That’s why batching content (ie: spending a day with your professional photographer to get all the pics v. photos every day) and using a calendar can be so helpful. And don’t forget the power of UGC (user-generated content). Remember all of those responses to polls you received the other day? Repost and allow your following to learn more about the community you’re cultivating.
Careful with comparison.
Studies show that social media users who follow more strangers than friends often get stuck in a comparison trap. Just because you have thousands of followers (who we’re guessing are not your best friends) doesn’t mean you need to follow thousands. Be picky about who you decide to follow. Ask yourself why you’re choosing to follow someone. And if the answer involves comparing yourself to another — think twice about hitting the follow button. Some of the largest social media influencers are picky about who they follow (take Rachel Hollis in this interview, for example). Consider filling your feed with content that inspires you, instead of content that will make you think twice about your self-worth.