Category Archives: Changing Your Life
August 28, 2024 Why to Take a Social Media Detox
It’s okay to disconnect. You do not always have to be plugged into the news, celebrity gossip, or the latest social media trends. In fact, these things might be having an adverse effect on your mental and emotional health. At times, it might be best to simply step away and take a social media detox.
It is no secret that social media can toy with our emotions. We often see either the best or the worst of humanity, which can either leave us depressed or make us question our self-worth. On the one hand, we can be exposed to bad news, cruelty, and nasty comments…and moments later we might see a post featuring a “perfect” family making French toast together in their “perfect” kitchen. This yo-yo effect can give us emotional whiplash and leave us feeling uneasy, guilty, or depressed. And recent studies back this up.
According to researchers Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith of Help Guide, “Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media [use] and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.”
Social media can also affect a person’s self-image. When we constantly compare ourselves with others, we can’t help but feel inadequate. And the truth is, we’re comparing ourselves to an impossible standard. Most people will only publish the most polished, edited, and filtered versions of themselves on social media, while neglecting to include the messier parts of their lives. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, body image issues, and even depression.
Additionally, the constant need to check social media and receive validation through likes and comments can become addictive, further contributing to mental health problems.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that we all become completely disconnected and uninformed about current events. However, taking a break from social media can provide a much-needed respite. It allows you to focus on the present moment, engage in real-world interactions, and cultivate a healthier relationship with technology. By stepping away, you can regain a sense of control, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and reconnect with your authentic self. A social media detox can be a powerful tool to improve your mental well-being and foster a more balanced and fulfilling life.
To actually achieve a little distance from social media, I suggest the following tactics:
- Turn off notifications for social media apps on your devices
- Set aside specific times of the day to check social media, rather than constantly scrolling
- Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate or negatively impact your mood
- Replace social media time with other activities that bring you joy, like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones
- Consider a complete social media detox for a set period, such as a week or a month, to reset your relationship with these platforms
A social media detox can be a powerful way to regain control over your digital life and improve your overall well-being. By setting boundaries, curating your feed, and replacing social media time with more fulfilling activities, you can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Remember, it’s okay to disconnect and prioritize your mental health. Embrace the present moment, engage in real-world interactions, and cultivate a healthier relationship with technology. A social media detox can be a transformative experience, empowering you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, social media break, step away from social media, unplugging from social media, why take social media detox
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Communication
August 21, 2024 How Sitting Still Can Be Productive
We live in a culture that rewards “go getters” and highly motivated people. We expect quick turnarounds and instantaneous results. Because of our fast-paced world, we tend to equate productivity with action. Send off a couple hundred emails, make advances in your project, attend that after-work networking event—all this activity can seem like progress and productivity…but is it?
Sometimes, work for work’s sake can actually be counterproductive. If, for example, you never pause to consider your trajectory, you might inadvertently head in the wrong direction (OR you might neglect to consider an alternative path you could take).
Additionally, if you never take time to rest and recharge, you may end up burning out. We all have a limited capacity in our “personal batteries.” If you’re barreling forward without the occasional pause, you risk depleting those reserves and being unable to perform at your best.
Taking time to sit still, reflect, and recharge can actually make you more productive in the long run. It allows you to gain perspective, identify areas for improvement, and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. Embracing moments of stillness and contemplation can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity and achieving your goals.
Here are a few ideas to help you remember to pause, reflect, and perhaps re-strategize before moving forward:
Schedule Regular Reflection Time
Set aside a recurring block of time, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to pause and reflect on your progress, challenges, and next steps. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consider jotting your ideas in a notebook or a Google doc.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to help you be present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings. This can provide clarity and perspective.
Seek Outside Perspectives
Talk to a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend about your work. Getting an outside viewpoint can reveal blind spots or uncover new possibilities.
Take Breaks
Regularly step away from your work to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Even short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in a hobby can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
Embrace Solitude
Carve out time for solitude, whether it’s a quiet morning routine or an evening without distractions. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply allow your mind to wander without the pressure of productivity.
By incorporating these practices, you can create space for productive contemplation and self-reflection. This can help you gain clarity, identify areas for growth, and approach your work with renewed purpose and focus. Remember, true productivity is not about constant motion, but about strategically pausing, reflecting, and then taking purposeful action. Embrace the power of stillness to enhance your overall productivity and achieve your goals more effectively.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: intentional breaks and productivity, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, rest and productivity, sitting still and productivity, sitting still productive, take break productivity
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
August 14, 2024 Remember to Laugh (using humor as a tool)
The world can be a serious place. Whether you’re dealing with personal or familial problems, or thinking about the world at large, troubles seem to abound. Everywhere we turn, we’re bombarded with bad news about politics, crime, the environment, and on and on. And all these hardships and worries can seriously test our resilience.
What to do? Of course, there are proactive measure you can take to better your personal circumstances or to make a positive contribution to your community, nation, or world. You could volunteer, donate, take classes (or share your own skills), etc., etc.
While those proactive steps are wonderful, you may not feel like being so active and involved every single day. Some days, you simply need to take care of yourself—your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Aside from the basics (eating healthy meals, exercising, getting enough sleep), one way to boost your resilience is to have a good laugh.
While it may sound simplistic, laughter really can be the best medicine. It can make us feel lighter and happier. It can give us mental clarity, or help us forge connections with those around us. Even during our toughest, darkest periods, laughter can ease our pain or enable us to cope with grief, anxiety, or heartache.
In addition to mental and emotional benefits, laughter can also provide physical benefits. In a Psychology Today article, researcher and author Robyne Hanley-Dafoe says, “Laughter is the body’s natural painkiller, allowing the body to release endorphins.” She goes on to say, “In the shorter term, it activates and releases your stress response and soothes away built-up tension. In the long term, research suggests laughter improves our immune system, relieves pain in the moment, and increases our pain threshold.”
How can you seek more opportunities to include laughter in your life? I suggest any of the following:
Stop Taking Life So Seriously
Everyone makes mistakes, has occasional bad luck, or goes through difficult times. But try not to be so hard on yourself. Laugh at your own foibles and find the humor in life’s absurdities. If you can, try to find the funny side of situations and let the little annoyances slide.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Some people seem dead-set on being miserable, and they (unfortunately) can be very good at making others miserable as well. Do your best to distance yourself from this type of person. Instead, surround yourself with people who will make you laugh, provide a healthy dose of positivity, and who can see the lighter side of life.
Seek Humorous Entertainment
Whether it’s a comedy show, a funny movie, or a witty podcast, try seeking entertainment that will make you laugh. Laughter is contagious, so surrounding yourself with humorous content can boost your mood and outlook. Additionally, reading or watching something lighthearted can provide a much-needed mental break from the stresses of daily life.
Have Perspective
If you bombed your PowerPoint presentation or accidentally left your car window open in the rain, that can be annoying or embarrassing, but is it really the end of the world? Instead of dwelling too much on small mishaps, try to step back and gain some perspective. Will this matter in a week? A month? A year? Putting things into that larger context can help you avoid getting bogged down by minor issues. Instead, you can learn from your mistakes, move forward, and find the humor in the situation.
In the face of life’s challenges, don’t forget to make time for laughter. Laughter is a powerful tool that can boost your resilience and help you weather life’s storms. By making a proactive effort to laugh more and not take life so seriously, you can cultivate a mindset that helps you better navigate life’s challenges.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: benefits of laughter, humor during tough times, laugh at work, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, remember to laugh, the power of laughter
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
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