What is your average screen time? If you have not looked at this - you may be alarmed! 

 As we come to the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to take some time to pause and reflect on their well-being. While we often talk about self-care in the physical world, our digital habits play just as big a role in our mental health. In an age of endless scrolling, constant comparison, and digital noise, being mindful online isn’t just helpful - it's a necessity. 

As we leave May behind, we want to give you some insights, tips and tricks on how to keep your well-being top of mind and encourage wholesome online practices.

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The Link Between Screen Time & Stress

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Studies have shown that excessive screentime, specifically time on social media, can increase anxiety, depression and other stress symptoms, especially in adolescents and young adults. But it’s not just how much we scroll—it’s how we scroll. Mindless browsing can quietly chip away at our peace of mind. 

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Practising Mindfulness Online

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Being mindful online means becoming aware of your digital triggers and setting healthy boundaries. 

Ask yourself:

1. Why am I opening this app right now? Am I looking for inspiration or am I just bored? 
2. How does this content make me feel? Am I inspired by what I see? Does the content provide me with motivation ? Is this adding value to my life or draining my energy?
3. Could I spend this time doing something else? Like taking a relaxing walk? Phoning a friend or family member? Reading a book or listening to a podcast? 

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Set Digital Boundaries

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It's time to be strict with ourselves. Step up firm yet realistic goals for yourself. Whether that be screen-time limits, schedule phone-free hours, or introduce a “no-scroll zone” in your home (getting your friends and family to join in helps you stay accountable and makes it not seem so difficult). Protect your mental space the way you protect your time.

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Curate, Don’t Compare

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To those who follow/scroll - follow accounts that uplift you, inspire growth, or teach something new. Don’t be afraid to unfollow or mute those that cause unnecessary comparison or stress. You’re in charge of your feed.

To those who create - keep doing you and sharing that positivity. However, if you ever feel compelled to share more sensitive or intense topics - having a trigger warning at the start of the video allows your audience the foresight to choose if they want to engage with that type of content or protect their peace. 

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Share Mindfully

Posting online can also impact your mental health. Share with intention—not to impress, but to connect. Vulnerability can be powerful, especially when used to spark real conversations around mental wellness.

Somethings to consider:

1. Pause Before You Post
   Ask yourself: Why am I sharing this? What impact could it have—on me or others?
   
   
2. Highlight Progress, Not Perfection
   Sharing growth - whether that be step forwards or backwards. This can create an empowering environment and an encouraging community.
   
   
3. Celebrate Others Without Competing
   Sharing other’s content and amplifying their voices, achievements, and wins can be a great way to turn the toxicity of the online world into triumphs. Community over comparison.
   
   
4. Respond With Empathy
   If someone shares vulnerability, show support, not judgment. A simple “I hear you” goes a long way.
   
   
5. Be Clear About Boundaries
   Just because you choose to share your life online, does not mean you have to share everything or have to share before you are ready.  It’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to talk about this yet” or “I needed a break from posting for a while.” Sharing your life must be something you enjoy and not dread. 

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As May comes to an end and we move into the second half of 2025, let’s not forget our minds when we’re online. Being mindful in the digital space doesn’t mean  switching off—it means logging on with purpose. 

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