PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE

If social media has caused you stress, overwhelm and anxiety, it might be time to switch off for a bit. Resilience expert Peta Sigley has the following tips.

• Look for activities that take your mind off whatever is happening on social media. Go for a walk, listen to music or play with the dog (animals are great for our wellbeing and helping us to stay calm; they’re also brilliant listeners).

• Feeling that you need to keep up to date with what is happening can be very pressing; try reading a newspaper instead of watching the coverage.

• Drop the internet connection at home or put your phone onto flight mode for a scheduled period of time (e.g. 30 minutes whilst you have a meal, or overnight between the hours of 10pm and 6am).

• Talk to someone about the event and how you’re feeling. Tap into your support network of family and friends, and don’t forget your GP or a psychologist where needed.