Social Media’s Stress-Inducing Impact

In the fast-paced world of social media, the benefits of connectivity often come at a cost to our mental well-being. The constant connectivity can trigger our stress response, affecting both mind and body. Therapist Andrea Evgeniou highlights the importance of intentional breaks from technology to bring our focus back to the present and nurture our well-being.

One way social media heightens stress is by eroding healthy boundaries. It grants others direct access to our lives, blurring the lines between personal and public. This intrusion can lead to anxiety and unease.

Moreover, the incessant scrolling and screen time detract from the joys of mindfulness and living in the moment. The compulsion to check social feeds distracts us from appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

Comparisons are another pitfall. We gauge our lives against carefully curated online personas, perpetuating unhealthy competition and self-doubt. This constant comparison can fuel stress and dissatisfaction.

Practicing distress tolerance becomes a challenge when we’re always connected. The never-ending stream of notifications, messages, and calls disrupts our ability to engage in healthy activities and manage stress effectively.

In essence, while social media has its merits, it also carries the potential to ignite our stress response. To safeguard our mental well-being, setting boundaries, seeking mindful moments, resisting comparisons, and managing digital distractions are vital steps. Balancing our online and offline lives is key to reducing the toll that constant connectivity takes on our stress levels.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times