Navigating Anxiety and Taking Social Media Breaks

J U N E 2 0 2 5 M E N T A L H E A L T H M I N U T E Mental Health Minute Navigating Anxiety in the Summer Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and social events—but for those with social anxiety, these gatherings can feel overwhelming. Consider these strategies for navigating social anxiety: • Plan ahead. If you have a social event coming up, familiarize yourself with the venue and attendees. • Set boundaries. It’s OK to say no to events if you feel overwhelmed. • Focus on enjoyable activities. Engage in summer activities that truly bring you peace and joy. • Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help manage anxiety symptoms and provide a sense of calm. • Participate in social situations gradually. For events or large groups of people that stress you out, it’s OK to start with smaller, low- pressure gatherings and work your way up to larger events. • Challenge negative thoughts. Social anxiety often stems from negative thoughts, so remind yourself of your strengths and past positive social experiences. With a bit of effort and self-compassion, you can enjoy the summer months in a way that feels comfortable and fulfilling for you. 401 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46280 LHDbenefits.com Office: Population Health: [email protected] Taking a Social Media Break for Your Well-being According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, social media can negatively impact mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, poor self-worth, cyberbullying, and disrupted sleep. It can also intensify loneliness and unhealthy social comparisons. Yet many use it out of habit or to unwind. Consider these tips for reducing your social media use: 1. Find alternative sources of relaxation. Instead of scrolling, unwind with activities like walking, reading, crafting, music, baking, yoga, meditation, or spending time with a pet. 2. Try other ways to connect. Instead of relying on social media, try calling loved ones, volunteering, hosting a dinner, joining a club, chatting with neighbors, or taking a class. 3. Seek other means of entertainment. Try podcasts, reading, learning a new skill, or visiting a museum or art show. While some people may feel better after just a weekend offline, others might need a longer break—like a month—to see real benefits. Quitting social media entirely isn’t always practical, but you can focus on building a healthier, more mindful relationship with it..