When things get heavy...

Hi, friend.

You’ll probably notice that today’s newsletter looks a little different. It just feels too heavy…too draining to write about anything related to social media strategy or best practices.

Instead, I want to focus on giving you a way you can protect your mental health as we face uncertain waters, terrible tragedies, trauma, and discourse on social media and across the country, in general.

So, whether you’re a casual scroller or have to be on the platforms for your job (👋🏼 hi, self), here’s how you can protect your peace and your sanity.

– jen 🧡

Caring for Your Mental Health in the Midst of Crisis

We are not meant to witness horrific events through a mobile screen, and then go about our day like it’s normal.

We are not meant to hate our neighbors so deeply that we wish harm, misfortune, or hate upon them.

We are not meant to sow division through words and actions.

We are not meant to feel apathy for a life lost.

We are not meant to uplift abusers and silence victims.

But when you look around, especially on social media, that is exactly what you’ll find. And if you’re scratching your head, wondering how the heck we got to this point as a collective species, then you’re in good company here.

So, whether you work in social media marketing, are a content creator, or a business owner, here are my simple way of getting some R.E.S.T. today, tomorrow, and always!

Reflect

Events like what unfolded in Utah and Colorado are not meant to be normal. So, understandably, they can stir up a lot of emotions both within us and on the internet. You don’t have to scroll far to find people arguing in the comments, calling one another names, putting each other down, or even wishing harm on each other (is this really what we’ve become?).

But before you jump in to the conversation, I encourage you to sit with your emotions and reflect on them. Admittedly, I need to do a better job at this myself, but I’ve found that when I let a feeling sit, I’m able to observe it, dissect it, and actually name it. I like to journal, so jotting my thoughts down on paper means they’re out of my head and I can see them for what they really are. Once I do that, and I still feel like I have something positive to add to the conversation online, I’ll engage.

Which brings me to my next tip...

Engage Thoughtfully

It’s SO easy to be sucked down the negativity rabbit hole. In fact, that’s exactly what these platforms were designed to do to keep you on them longer. Positive or negative, the engagement we partake in releases the same dopamine in our brains.

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok…they weren’t designed to bring us closer together. They were designed to spread hatred, to spread negativity, and to spread fear. WHY? Because those emotions are the ones that get the strongest reaction out of people. And the more people engage, the farther that message spreads on the platform.

Polarizing content = spreadable content.

So, I encourage you to engage thoughtfully. Whether that’s blocking people, silencing notifications, or actively seeking out content YOU want to see instead. Engage with the platforms in a way that’s healthy and supportive of your mental health.

And if you feel like you can’t do it or that it’s too overwhelming, then it’s time to…

Shut It Down

There’s nothing wrong putting your phone down, slamming the laptop shut, and walking away from all the noise, violence, and negativity. In fact, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STAGE no matter what – it will have the biggest impact on your sanity and mental health, period.

By putting it down, doing something else, being present in your own little world, you’re taking your power back. You’re taking ownership over your thoughts, your actions, your reactions, and how you move through the world. Stepping away for a day, two days, or however long you need to gain distance and clarity is honestly the greatest form of self-care and love.

Talk it Out

Lastly, talk it out. Doom scrolling and getting lost on social media only perpetuates the echo chambers we have going on inside our own heads. So, talk it out, whether that’s with your spouse, a friend, your therapist, your mom, your pastor…I don’t care. At this point, we NEED to be having more conversations in person and fewer ones online. 

Talking it out with other people you trust and who care about you can help you navigate the complex feelings and emotions and thoughts rattling around inside your brain. It can also be a good reminder that we’re not all so different from one another and that we’re all human…we all need love, support, and connection.

There’s no arguing that today’s political and social climates are dividing communities by the masses. But it doesn’t have to be like this.

It SHOULDN’T be like this.

We’re not meant to live this one life hating others, wishing harm, inciting violence, and pointing blame.

When you let it, the human experience can be such a beautiful, wonderful, curious, exceptional journey that all of us get to navigate for the first time together.

But I encourage you, the next time (and it’s sad that I know there will be a next time) make sure you take care of your mental health, your peace, and your sanity with a little bit of R.E.S.T.

AI Agents That Cut Support Costs By Up To 80%

AI Agents Designed For Complex Customer Support

Maven AGI delivers enterprise-grade AI agents that autonomously resolve up to 93% of support inquiries, integrate with 100+ systems, and go live in days. Faster support. Lower costs. Happier customers. All without adding headcount.

👉 Book your demo to see how.