When we talk to family members about looking after ourselves over the festive period, one thing we hear about is social media and how limiting our time on social media or taking it at face value can be self-care in itself.
Most of us have relied on technology this year and it has been great to be able to keep in touch. It has allowed us to stay in contact with friends and family over video calls and enjoy social interaction at a time that face-to-face contact has been limited.
This is one advantage of living in a digital age. If this pandemic had hit some years ago we would not have been so lucky as to have the technology that we have at our fingertips to stay in touch.
However, for as much good technology can do there is also the negative side to social media. The reality of social media is that most people paint a perfect picture of themselves and their family life. Sometimes negative experiences are shared in cryptic messages on social media but the true reality of real-life situations and their impact on us and our loved ones are generally not shared on these platforms.
Pros
- Allows you to keep in touch with people
- Speeds up communication
- Eases loneliness
- Allows you to have fun
- Can spread positivity
Cons
- Can trigger insecurities
- Can enhance fear of missing out
- Can overload you with information
- Can make you doubt your own judgement
- Be mindful and take what you see on social media at face value. Keep in mind that people are putting certain chosen images of their day and their experience of Christmas on social media. Limiting time on social media can be a good way of not exposing yourself to the not so positive aspects of social media.
Some other self-care tips from family members include:
- It can help fill time and be a welcome distraction.
- Take one day at a time and if a day feels too long break it into smaller chunks.
- Practicing mindfulness regularly.
- Take space for yourself rather than putting the needs of others first.
- Alternative/complementary therapies like using stones or crystals.
- Going for a walk to get some head-space.
- Give yourself 5 minutes. Christmas can be a busy time and even 5 minutes for yourself to catch your breath and collect your thoughts can help.
If you are worried about Christmas, our support team is here for you if you need them.
Contact Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs on:
Freephone Helpline: 08080 10 10 11
Email: helpline@sfad.org.uk
Webchat: www.sfad.org.uk