2020 has put a highlight on many things. One being our mental health. Constantly checking our social media and TV channels while consuming endless amounts of bad news isn’t a new issue, we’re just more aware of it in 2020. It’s also known as ‘Doomscrolling’ – Scrolling social media and consuming negative information and news.
According to Kaz Nelson, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis: There’s actually a valid reason why we doomscroll. Our brains always on the lookout for threats to our well being & safety in order to prepare ourselves for what’s could come.
“When we read upsetting news, the threat response is activated,” she said. “This can be helpful if it helps us to be aware of true threats to our safety and health and motivates us to work to address or respond to the threat. This is why it is so tempting to scroll page after page. Our brain perceives that we are doing something essential and productive.”
We understand that it is not realistic to suggest unplugging from the news or social media completely, especially during these trying times where it is extremely important to be aware & informed, but these tips will help you cut back.
10 Habits That Will Help Stop Doomscrolling And Boost Mental Health
Set aside a realistic block of time to spend scrolling.Get outside during the day for a few minutes.
Clean up the list of accounts you’re following.
Examine the thoughts that come up when you’re doomscrolling.
Turn off your phone’s push notifications.
Carve out time for creative activities.
Try a 10-second (yes, that fast!) meditation.
Don’t pick up your phone right when you wake up.
Set time to talk with your family and friends — and make the news off limits.
Have a cut-off time at least an hour before bed.
What have you found uselss during these unprecedented times to combat negative mental health effects? Let us know!