Tip: Exercise regularly, eat healthy, get enough rest, and be stingy with your time on social media!
by Gilad Janklowicz of “Bodies in Motion”
As our dear Gilad recommends, let’s practice sensible life habits. Exercise, wholesome fresh foods, and good rest all uplift us, helping to keep our bodies and minds strong and balanced.
His fourth suggestion, to minimize our media use, may be one that we often overlook.
While we may have especially appreciated social media during the pandemic as a way to stay connected, and even as a means of personal and artistic expression, many studies warn of the negative effects of overusing social media.
According to an article from UC Davis Health: “The addictive nature of social media activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine. This is a “feel-good chemical” linked to pleasurable activities. When we post something, our friends and family can “like” it, giving us a boost of dopamine. However, when we don’t get that boost or approval, it can [negatively] impact our sense of self and adequacy.”
Excessive engagement in social media can increase anxiety and depression. It may create an addiction by hooking us on little dopamine boosts. And as we all know it can decrease our time of personal, in-the-flesh connection with other people.
Gilad, one of those balanced, well adjusted human beings who loves to spend time in the same space together, doesn’t say to avoid social media at all costs. He merely advises us to “be stingy” with our time there!
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This post is also available in: 日本語 (Japanese)