I don’t know about y’all, but the day that Facebook and Instagram was down was kind of breath of fresh air.

It definitely gave me more mental space and more free time, which got me to think about a few things related to social media in general.

Also, with everything going on with Facebook, it makes sense we NEED to talk about putting some healthy boundaries between ourselves and social media!

Take a Pause

It’s important to take breaks from social media because studies show that spending too much time scrolling can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Before you just delete every app and head for the hills, let’s chat about what it could look like for you to take a break.

First, select the duration of the break, the networks you want to temporarily abandon, and develop a schedule for reducing your social media use. Next, to help you maintain your break, turn off notifications or hide the apps or delete them completely from your phone. Lastly, find other things that you enjoy.

Surprise! Surprise! You will have more time on your hands and might feel bored. This is a great time to pick up a new hobby, read a book, start cooking, whatever!

Cleaning Out Your Follow Feed

After your break from social media and you are ready to jump back in, please be mindful that you also might need to clean up your feed. It’s amazing how triggering social media can be to mental health and to eating disorder recovery.

In order to help you clean up your feed, here are a few people to follow that we recommend to our clients that are working on HAES, body positivity, and recovery.

Dietitians/Therapists

@evelyntribole @ElyseResch @lisajdubreuil @aaronfloresrdn @fatpositivetherapy @bodyimage_therapist @dietitiananna @amee_rd @feelgoodeating @bodypositive_dietitian @haes_studentdoctor @thethicknutritionist @kristamurias @theintuitive_rd @mollybcounseling @anirdn @thefatsextherapist @haescoach @thewellful @body_peace_liberation @bodypositiveyoga @fatbodypeace @embodiedtherapypdx @fionawiller @kaley_rd

@beauty_redefined @rachaelhartleyrd @thereallife_rd @laurathomasphd @themindfuldietitian @hgoodrichrd @streetsmart.rd @karalydonrd @feed_your_spark @marcird @immaeatthat @jessihaggertyrd @intuitiveeatingrd @lindsaystenovec_rd @emilyfonnesbeck_rd @chr1styharrison @go.feed.yourself_ @rebeccascritchfield @bodyimagewithbri @heytiffanyroe @heatherdcrd @lindatuckercoaching @bravespacenutrition @livedexperiencecounsellor @encouragingdietitian

Influencers

@Mommyinheels @Noelledowning @Ellanabryan @Colormecourtney @Bodyposipanda @Anabeth.jpg @Katiesturino @sassyredlipstick @babebody @lolo_russell

@sell_eat_love @gabifresh @hownottotravellikeabasicbitch @chanteburkett @iskra @calliethorpe @glitterandlazers @thickleeyonce @sonnyturner_ @abearnamedtroy

Fashion/Models

@CaralynMirand @Huntermcgrady @tessholiday @michaelamcgrady

@ashleygraham @taralynn @zachmiko @notoriouslydapper

Setting Boundaries

If you are ready to get back on the social media train, then having very clear boundaries is also important.

Make sure you are only setting your time to be on social media when you are in a good mental space and not when you are going on to compare and be self-destructive. Next, set a timer. Let’s not waste hours upon hours on social media. Honestly, nothing positive can come out of that when you are scrolling and going down rabbit holes. Lastly, check-in with yourself after. Was that a positive and helpful experience or not?

For help cleaning up your social media and help getting yourself in a better place, schedule an appointment with one of our team members today!