Hey everyone, it’s Sarah “Jay” Bynum here! As summer rolls in, I know we’re all excited to hit the beach, hang out with friends, and soak up the sun. But let's be real—summer can also be a time when we get glued to our phones, scrolling endlessly through social media. I get it, social media is a huge part of our lives, but it's so easy to fall into the trap of isolation. This blog is all about how to keep your social media use positive and beneficial during the summer months. Let's make sure social media works for us and not the other way around!
Creative Ways to Engage Offline/Online
When you’re not with friends or family, there are plenty of offline activities that can be both enjoyable and shareable. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Read a Book
Find a good book to read and then post a review or a favorite quote. Sharing what you’re reading can spark interesting conversations and inspire others to pick up a book too.
Craft Projects
Get creative and make something fun. Share the process and the final product on your social media. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or building something cool, it’s a great way to showcase your talents and inspire others to get crafty.
Organize and Share
Clean up your room or closet and share before and after pictures. Not only is it satisfying to see the transformation, but it can also motivate others to do some organizing themselves.
Memory Lane
Go through old photos and share some great memories with friends. Tag them to reminisce together and strengthen your friendships. It’s a fun way to relive good times and stay connected.
Avoid the Comparison Trap
It’s easy to look at other people’s posts and feel like your life doesn’t measure up. But remember, social media often shows a highlight reel, not the whole picture.
Shift Your Perspective
When you see posts of people having a great time, remember that everyone has their struggles, even if they don’t post about them. Try not to compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.
Post Positively
If you start feeling down, do the opposite and post something positive. Share a recent accomplishment, a beautiful photo, or a heartfelt message. This can help shift your mindset and encourage others as well.
Prepping for College? Use Social Media to Your Advantage
For those of us prepping for college applications, social media can be a valuable tool.
Follow Colleges and Programs
Start following the colleges and programs you’re interested in. Engaging with their content shows your interest and keeps you updated on important information. Plus, you might get a better feel for the campus culture and student life.
Showcase Your Interests
Post about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and hobbies. This can help create a positive online presence that colleges may notice. It’s like building your own personal brand!
Curate Your Feed
One of the best things about social media is that you have control over what you see. Make an effort to clear out the negative stuff and follow accounts that bring you joy and inspiration.
Clean Up Your Feed
Take some time to unfollow or mute accounts that don’t make you feel good. Instead, follow accounts that inspire you, make you laugh, or teach you something new. A positive feed can make a huge difference in your overall mood.
Engage Positively
Don’t just scroll passively. Like, comment, and share posts that you enjoy. Engaging positively with content not only boosts your mood but also spreads positivity to others. Plus, it can make your social media experience more interactive and fun.
Listen to Your Inner Self
Always listen to your feelings. If social media starts to make you feel bad or overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break.
Take Breaks
If you feel negative vibes, shift to another activity like going for a walk, reading, or spending time with family. Taking breaks from social media can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
Reflect
Use the time away from social media to reflect on your feelings and why certain content affects you the way it does. This self-awareness can help you better curate your feed and usage habits.
Mindful Social Media Usage
Finally, we need to be mindful of our social media usage. It’s easy to lose track of time and end up spending hours scrolling through your feed. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your usage:
Set Limits
Setting limits can help you avoid wasting your summer away online. Decide on specific times of the day to check your social media. Maybe it’s in the morning after breakfast or in the evening before bed. Sticking to a schedule can help you stay balanced.
Use Tracking Tools
Most smartphones have built-in features that track your screen time. Use these tools to monitor how much time you’re spending on social media. If you see that you’re spending too much time, set a goal to reduce it. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Stay Engaged and Positive
Let’s make this summer a time to stay engaged and positive on social media. Remember, it’s all about balance and making sure that social media enhances your life instead of dragging you down.
Final Tips for a Healthy Social Media Summer
- Be Selective: Follow accounts that add value to your life.
- Stay Connected: Use social media to strengthen your relationships, not just to pass time.
- Post with Purpose: Share content that makes you and others feel good.
- Know When to Log Off: Recognize when it’s time to take a break and enjoy the real world.
Social media isn’t going anywhere, so let’s use it in a way that benefits us. Have a fantastic summer, stay positive, and remember to make social media work for you!
Stay awesome,
Sarah “Jay” Bynum
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