How to avoid the negativity on social media

Right now, what’s making me most anxious is the endless posts about COVID-19 on social media. Every time I want to watch a funny video on Facebook, or TikTok, I find myself scrolling through endless coronavirus memes or posts about not going outside.

Firstly, I’m not saying that I’m ignoring the posts. It’s important to keep informed on the current situation and make sure your friends and family are doing okay. But, what’s most important is that you’re okay too. So here are a few ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed by social media.

Limit how often you’re going online

Trust me, with everything that’s going on, this is the best thing you can do for yourself. Give yourself a bit of freedom from all the memes. Do something else, like making cookies, getting on with some uni work or reading a novel. Fill your time with something other than Cardi B’s unforgettable ‘coronavirus’ meme.

Get your updates from the news

Do you really think your third cousin knows more about the current COVID-19 situation than the government or the news outlets? Put Facebook away and turn on the news channel, you can also go online and find live updates, but make sure they’re from reputable sources.

Occupy your time in other ways

This situation might have opened your eyes to the fact that you don’t actually have anything to do in the house other than watch tv and go on your phone.

Amazon is up and running – buy yourself book, buy a yoga mat, or if you’re tight on money give the house a good clean. Put on some music and sing along to it. No matter what you do, the point is that you’re using your time to release any anxiety that you feel over the situation. This is a really stressful time, and it can be easy to get cabin fever, so make sure you’re keeping your routine fresh and exciting, and when you’re going for your daily exercise, pick a different route than normal! Go and explore the green spaces that Lincoln has to offer. Make sure you’re giving yourself a chance of de-stressing during this time.

Stay connected

Most importantly, call your family and friends. Even if it’s just for five minutes, let them know you’re okay and check up on them too. If you’re like me and you’re staying in Lincoln during the pandemic, it can get lonely. I’m lucky to have a supportive household and friends that I live with, but not everyone has that. So make sure you’re staying connected, and we’ll all be just fine.

Wash your hands, listen to governmental advice, and stay safe!