I lost a friend over social media anxiety 😳📵 Read⬇️
As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, I found myself surrounded by a couple of friends at my house. However, amidst the joy and celebration, a couple minutes after we got home from the beach, I couldn't help but notice the pervasive glow of screens as everyone eagerly posted their New Year wishes and scrolling through social media.
Determined to break free from the cycle of mindless scrolling and phone addiction, I made a bold decision. Just about 30 minutes after the clock struck midnight, I asked my friends to surrender their phones and embrace the moment without the distraction of virtual connections.
I thought it would be the best way to start the New Year with better habits for us all. Especially because I know my friends well and many deal with anxiety, which I think stems from constantly comparing themselves on social media.
Surprisingly, the majority of my friends had an incredible time, immersing themselves in genuine conversations, games, and shared laughter. However, there was one person whose reaction shocked me. The mere hour without their phone triggered such intense anxiety that their entire mood shifted. Upon returning their device, after they begged for it back, they abruptly left, saying “they weren’t feeling the vibes”, ordered their Uber swiftly and promptly blocked me.
I just wanted to preface, we were having fun the whole night nothing was done to her or said to her, but somehow the comfort of her phone had such a grip on her.
This incident served as a stark reminder of the grip social media has on our lives. It fueled my determination to stay present and avoid letting online interactions dictate my mood or confidence in the new year.
In 2024, my resolution is clear—I won't let social media control my time or emotions. This experience has motivated me to be more conscious of my usage, ensuring that I use these platforms as tools for connection rather than allowing them to consume my life. I also have the clear goal to spread awareness to others on my platform because when do you get the harsh reminder to look up.
Here's to a year of genuine connections, mindful living, and breaking free from the anxiety-inducing cycle of constant online presence.
PRACTICE THIS; Breathe in 10 seconds, Hold 10 seconds, Breathe out 10 seconds, Hold 10 seconds, and repeat. Now turn off your phone and I’m begging you, do this for 5 rounds! If you want an extra kick after breathing write down a to do list of what you have to get done today!
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Love,
Lexy xoxo
#anxiety #reallife #Lemon8Diary #dayinmylife #unaesthetic #shareyourthoughts #embracevulnerability #storytime #l8r2023 #2024resolutions
It's easy to dismiss social media anxiety, but my experience – and perhaps yours too – truly highlighted how deeply it can affect us. I've come to realize that much of this unease often stems from the constant 'comparison trap' we fall into. Seeing everyone's perfectly curated highlights online can quickly make us feel inadequate or like we're missing out. The infographics I've seen recently really hit home when they talked about the 'vicious cycle' of seeking validation through likes and comments, which, ironically, can leave us feeling emptier than before. I also caught myself scrolling out of sheer boredom or a pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO), just as those helpful visuals pointed out. It feels like a temporary escape from stress, but it doesn't truly address the underlying issues. This understanding made me realize why 'lost phone anxiety' or even the anxiety after quitting social media can be so real; our brains get so accustomed to that constant stimulation and connection, even if it's not always healthy. So, what can we actually *do*? Beyond the simple yet effective breathing exercise shared earlier, I've started incorporating some practical tips into my daily routine. One big one is practicing 'social media mindfulness.' It's about being really aware of why I'm picking up my phone and how I feel when I'm scrolling. Am I genuinely connecting, or am I just mindlessly consuming content that makes me feel worse? This conscious approach is a crucial step towards managing social media stress and anxiety. Another powerful tip from the infographics that resonated with me was 'trimming negative accounts.' Unfollowing or muting accounts that consistently make you feel bad about yourself or fuel comparison anxiety can be a game-changer for your mental well-being. I'm also trying to set 'timers' for my usage, essentially implementing a digital curfew. It's not about completely abandoning social media, but about making it a tool that serves me, rather than allowing it to control my time and emotions. And this is where the real magic happens: rediscovering joy in offline activities. When I consciously focus on genuine conversations, hobbies, or simply being present in the moment, that comparison anxiety just fades away. It’s about building a life where online interactions supplement, rather than replace, real-world connections. Remember, it's okay to be kind to yourself through this process; managing these emotions takes time and practice. If it gets overwhelming, sometimes even exploring a 'social anxiety help app' or seeking professional advice can provide structured support. My journey to navigate 'how social media causes anxiety' is ongoing, but taking back control from my phone and prioritizing my mental well-being has been truly transformative.
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