How to make Instagram work for your mental wellbeing
In this blog post, we will take a look at the risks and benefits of using Instagram, as well as the signs to look out for that suggest you might need a break. We will also delve into how to make your Insta experience a more positive one as well as self-care tips for those days where you just need to log off.
So, what can you do to ensure that your time on Instagram is as positive as possible?
Instagram: To use or not to use?
Nowadays there is a page for almost anything, so finding like-minded people is easier than ever before. Many people are also using Insta to stay in the loop. That party everyone’s posting about going to? That new song that was just released? The scandal that just broke out? With just a few taps, you’re now up to date.
However, this ease of communication and information does come at a price to some. Our need for short-term pleasure has led to an increased urge to continuously check our account to see the latest news or check our account/post engagement.
So how can you tell when you need to take a step back from the platform to safeguard your mental wellbeing?
Know when to take a break
It’s important to know when you need to remove yourself from a negative situation. But where do you draw the line between harmless screen time and endlessly scrolling?
Here are a few points to keep in mind that might indicate that you need to take a break from Instagram:
1) It’s become something you feel you need to do - if you’re using the app to avoid personal problems, it might be time to put the phone down for a while.
2) Non-stop scrolling - mindlessly and continuously scrolling just to keep up to date with everything and out of fear of missing something important.
3) Negative self-talk - if you feel that you are constantly comparing yourself to others whilst putting yourself down
4) It’s no longer fun - If it starts feeling like a chore rather than a source of happiness, taking a few days to unwind can help you rekindle the magic of Insta.
Make Instagram work for you
The saying goes that prevention is better than cure. So, here are a few tips to make the platform work for you;
Unfollow or mute accounts that upset you.
Alternatively, if you’re worried unfollowing them could create tension, try muting them, they’ll never know!
Follow accounts that fall in line with your values and interests
Explore new groups from hashtags - people with common interests are out there, you just need to know where to look.
Support causes you care about on your feed - this can also be a way to find out which of your friends feel the same way.
Block and report - they’re there for a reason, don’t be afraid to block or report harmful content or accounts
Follow accounts that promote positive mental wellbeing - check out a list of 30 here.
Unwinding outside of Instagram
Instagram is a great way to unwind after another hectic day at work/uni. But once you’ve logged off from Insta, don’t forget to address your other needs.
Listen to podcasts
Do something creative- get those paintbrushes out, it’s time to keep working on that masterpiece you started in lockdown!
Workout- if you don’t go to a gym, YouTube home workouts are the way to go.
Go for a walk- don’t let the rain stop you, get those Wellies out.
Read a book- is it time to reread Harry Potter for the 7th time?
Plan a date with a friend- check the WYSPR app, there could be a voucher for something fun to do!
Hang out with a family member- a simple phone call works too.
And finally, never be afraid to reach out, you wouldn’t try to hide a broken arm from a friend, so your mental wellbeing struggles shouldn’t be any different.
Now that you’re recharged and ready to go why not accept your next WYSPR job and let those creative juices flow.
Find out about cool new brands and get paid to promote to your friends or your new connections; you’re already doing it so why not get the most out of it!
Download the WYSPR App & Get Paid For Your Next Post!
