Staying Positive in a Harsh Social Media World

​Internet users of today are spending an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes
socializing online. How can you make your newsfeeds and timelines a kinder and
gentler place to be?

In 2018, an estimated 2.65 billion people were using social media worldwide. Are you one of them? With all of the negativity and nastiness that seems to be on Facebook and Twitter, how do you not allow yourself to be pulled into the conversations? How do you not allow yourself to be affected by all the mean-spirited posts, arguments, shaming, etc.? It is so easy to be pulled into all of it because our social media is where we are updated on life. What are our kids doing? What is our family up to? What’s the latest news? Anything new with my friends?

How can you make your newsfeeds and timelines a kinder and gentler place to be?

 · Start by hiding the posts of the people who always seem to be sharing the
things that upset you most. Hiding is a great way to not see what people are posting without having to “unfriend” them.

· Limit your time on social media.
Don’t look at it first thing in the morning or right before you go to sleep. Do you want to start the day off in a negative space or go to sleep with all the negativity or nastiness on your mind? Of course not!

· Follow pages that post uplifting and positive quotes, stories and information.
Great pages to follow on Facebook are:
@DailyGood @YourPositiveOasis @TinyBuddha & don’t forget us here at @TTOHC.

·  Be more connected with your friends who are uplifting and positive.
The more you connect and engage with these friends the more you see them in your feed.

· Become the positive person on social media!
Spread joy, happiness, gratitude, positive stories and more. You will be happier and so will your friends. Make it a daily habit to post something positive on your social media. It could change your life and the life of others

· Take a social media break.
Assign yourself a set length of time like 1 week or 1 month and don’t go on any social media. You will find it very hard a first but once you get past the first couple of days you will find you are more relaxed and even happier. These intermittent breaks can do you a world of good. Take the time you would be spending on social media and meditate, do yoga, work on an art project, color, or go outside and commune with nature.

Social media is a great way to be connected to friends, family and acquaintances far and near. Sometimes, however, just like house guests who overstay their welcome, it’s time to separate yourself from it/them; just for a little while. Make the change to want to see. Share and be more positive! We will be right there with you!

Patti Singer

Patricia Singer is the owner of Follow Me Social Media Consulting, a social media management company based out of Northern New Jersey. Patti is our social media manager and advisor here at The Tree of Health Center.