Today's article from the Milford Prevention Council is courtesy of our intern, Madison Gaillard from Jonathan Law High School. Originally posted in the Milford Patch on May 8, 2024.
“Those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms.” (Yale Medicine). Wasting time scrolling on social media can be harmful to youth mental health. Here are a few ways to help yourself or someone you know take a break from the screen and prioritize their mental well being this upcoming summer!
Outside activities: Walking, chalk and the beach!
With the weather getting warmer it is crucial to have some fun outside. Going to Walnut Beach and walking along the boardwalk is a great way to get some sun and fresh air. Doing chalk outside, creating fun walkways with hopscotch or trying to balance on a line can take your mind off of social media for a few hours. Even a good beach day and swimming in the waves is excellent for improving mental health!
Crafts:
Creating hobbies like crafts can also be a great distraction when trying to minimize time spent on social media. Some fun ideas could be scrapbooking, decorating picture frames or creating paper flowers to put in the house. Any local craft store like Joann Fabrics or Michaels will have all of the supplies you need! For more ideas and a tutorial click here: https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g30930268/how-to-make-paper-flowers/
Baking or Cooking:
Heading to the grocery store and finding brownies or cookies to make, or even finding an elaborate recipe is a great way to get out of the house! Putting on a good movie or playlist while you bake/cook is super fun and keeps you off of the phone. You can find some easy and fun recipes here: https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/22-fun-diy-recipes-to-make-and-share-with-friends/nf96uebr
Exercise:
If it is possible, going to the gym is extremely helpful and mind clearing. While that may not be an option, a fun free way to get some exercise is playing pickleball downtown. Gathering some friends or family and having a good competitive game is amazing to help one’s mental health.
Be with good company:
Lastly, going out with some loved ones is always bound to help your mood. Going downtown at any local restaurant, hosting dinner at your own place or even just going out and seeing a movie can help prevent time spent on social media and the effects that come with it.
Overall, social media negatively affects youth mental health and prioritizing time spent with others off the screen is crucial to keep a healthy mind. Consider doing any of these things if you need a distraction or something fun and uplifting to indulge in!
References
KATELLA, KATHY. “How Social Media Affects Your Teen's Mental Health: A Parent's Guide.” Yale Medicine, 8 January 2024, https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide .Accessed 8 May 2024.McAfee, Tierney, et al. “21 DIY Paper Flowers Crafts: How to Make Paper Flowers.” Country Living Magazine, https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g30930268/how-to-make-paper-flowers/. Accessed 8 May 2024.Nordin, Martin. “22 fun DIY recipes to make and share with friends.” Delicious, https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/22-fun-diy-recipes-to-make-and-share-with-friends/nf96uebr. Accessed 8 May 2024.
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