The evolution of social media has brought about a new age of social interaction with its reach extending into almost every aspect of our lives. When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit in 2020, millions of us turned to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other social platforms to escape feelings of isolation, anxiety, and hopelessness.
While interacting on these social media platforms diverted our attention away from the impact of the global pandemic, it left many feeling anxious, insecure, and emotionally detached from the real world. The excessive social media use we now regularly engage in is linked to poor mental health and engaging in addictive behaviours.
An effective and healthy alternative to spending hours scrolling through social media feeds is dedicating that time to exercise. By replacing just 30 minutes of our social media use with physical activity every day, we can improve our overall well-being.
Here are five benefits of replacing your social media time with exercise:
1. REDUCES STRESS
You’re not alone if you get stressed out when checking social media. The platforms flood our feeds with the ongoings of others’ perfectly curated lives, polarizing political arguments and rants about who-knows-what. The constant influx of information, comparison with others, and the pressure to stay updated can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.
In contrast, exercise is a natural stress reliever. Physical activity reduces the level of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol, while simultaneously stimulating the production of endorphins and dopamine, the body's natural mood enhancers. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a vigorous workout, exercise provides a break from the digital noise that helps us regain a calmer mental attitude along with reducing the needless tension we experience daily.
2. EASES ANXIETY
Scrolling through endless feeds, encountering negative news, or comparing oneself to others can cause a deep sense of inadequacy which heightens feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Exercise, on the other hand, is a proven method to manage and ease anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which have a calming effect. Regular exercise helps reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms, providing a sense of calm and relaxation that social media often fails to deliver. Stepping away from social media and adopting a regular exercise regimen can also help reduce feelings of depression and loneliness. That, in turn, helps us form better relationships in the real physical world.
3. PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP
Checking social media before bed can keep us awake, as nighttime use can affect sleep through the stimulating-effects of light from digital screens. Specifically, the blue light emitted from electronic screens stimulates parts of the brain that makes us feel alert, leaving us energized at bedtime when we should be winding down.
On the other hand, regular exercise is known to improve sleep quality. Engaging in physical activity during the day helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, allowing you to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.
4. PREVENTS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
Common behaviours associated with social media use like frequently checking messages and constant scrolling are linked with symptoms of psychological distress such as feeling sad or down, worrying excessively, experiencing extreme mood swings and withdrawing from friends and activities. Constant exposure to negative content, cyberbullying, or the fear of missing out (FOMO) can take a devastating toll on your wellbeing if not addressed.
Exercise acts as a buffer against these negative emotions through its release of release of endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoids. These are all brain chemicals linked to happiness, self-assurance, competence, reduced stress, and even reduced physical pain. Regular physical activity helps build emotional resilience, making it easier to cope with challenges and stressors. By choosing exercise over social media, you can prevent the psychological distress that often accompanies prolonged digital engagement.
5. BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH
Finally, one of the most profound benefits of replacing social media with exercise is the overall boost it provides to mental health. While social media can sometimes contribute to feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, or depression, exercise fosters a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Regular exercise has been shown to enhance self-esteem, improve mood, and increase overall life satisfaction. Whether you’re setting fitness goals, enjoying the endorphin rush after a workout, or simply taking time for yourself, exercise offers a powerful way to boost mental health and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
THE TAKEAWAYS
In a world where social media is ever-present, it’s crucial to find balance and prioritize activities that nurture our well-being. Replacing some of your social media time with exercise can significantly improve your mental and physical health. It can be as simple as taking your dog for a walk, playing with your kids, having a dance party in your house, taking a hike, calling a friend and go for a walk, or window shopping down your local high street.
By reducing stress, easing anxiety, promoting better sleep, preventing psychological distress, and boosting mental health, exercise offers a transformative alternative to the often draining effects of social media. Making this shift not only enhances your quality of life but also empowers you to take control of your mental well-being in an increasingly digital world.
WHAT EXERCISE CAN I REPLACE SOCIAL MEDIA WITH?
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What does a ‘good exercise routine’ even look like?!
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