5 Self Care Ideas for Media Workers

We are in an era that has many amazing technological advancements. However, this quick advances comes with a cost. Global sharing platforms have allowed for anyone to have their voice heard. However, they have quickly become a breeding ground for false information and extreme negativity.

I have been working in different facets of media since I was 11 years old. As a professional media worker, I am no stranger to wanting to keep up with trends. However, if this is your only goal, you will not only burn yourself out, but you may find yourself being part of the problem.

I have been working hard to repair my relationship with myself, my art, and the platforms I choose to show them on. Here are my personal self care tips for media workers, or anyone who is struggling to engage with social media.

1. Recognize that what people choose to share online is only a snippet of what they are actually going through. (working this into a meditation or stretch routine is really helpful)

Even if you are watching a livestream, a documentary, or a piece of content that is longform media, just remember that the maker is aware this is what they are showing you. There is no such thing as media with an underlying agenda. An agenda is not inherently bad, however, the viewers need to be aware that there is intent behind the piece. Taking the time to understand the artist's intent will help take the rose colored glasses from your face.

2. Be picky about what content you choose to consume.

All content has its benefits. Whether it is showing a new way of storytelling, giving a voice to someone who has never had one before, or demonstrating inappropriate online behavior, every piece of content has something you can learn from it. Remember that everyone has different experiences. If you feel uncomfortable with content, know that you can remove yourself without having to further engage.

3. Post what you feel you need to post.

People post what they feel they need to post. Everyone is at a different place in their journey of life. It is rare that we find someone who has the exact same experiences as us. Keep this in mind when posting and viewing media. If someone is posting false/inappropriate information, or you are accused of posting false/inappropriate information, remember that to both of you, the information you posted is important to you individually. Although tempting to try to correct the other or engage in civil debate, it is best to move on and not engage. Comments, videos, and controversial words can easily be taken out of context and further harm you and the individual you are attempting to engage with.

4. Start your day off without engaging in social media.

I know this is a tough one. Believe me, I struggle with this on a daily basis. The views, the comments, the likes, and seeing what everyone is up to brings a sense of purpose and excitement to the day. However, for myself, I have realized this is when I tend to do the most doom scrolling. I become so obsessed with wanting to see what is next, or hoping I will find a beautiful nugget of information that will help me better reach my audience and communicate on a deeper level. However, this can easily turn into an obsessive thinking pattern, and it can be difficult to escape.

I try my best to begin my day by either checking text messages, checking my calendar, updating my dream journal, or looking at my lunar phases map.

Although I am admittedly still on my phone first thing in the morning, I try my best to stay away from the social media and the unwanted opinions from strangers until I feel good about what I have accomplished for that day.

5. Once the sun sets I do my best to stay off of social media where I could be negatively

impacted by the content.

I have learned about myself recently that I do not do well with handling my emotions and anxiety once the sun has set. Although frustrating to have a good portion of my day where I feel like I can't get work done, it has allowed me to focus on time for myself. I do still go on social media past dark, but I stick to the ones where I know there is nothing I need to do to stay relevant, or where I feel the need to engage with content that I don't hand pick.

For example, I stay off of Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and Letterboxd. All of the previously mentioned platforms, I have content on that I am proud of and worked hard to create. If someone leaves a negative comment, I will be negatively impacted. Although I am aware that any negative comments are coming from a place of misunderstanding whether on their part or mine, once the sun goes down I am no longer able to engage in that type of discussion in an appropriate manner. I must wait till the sun is up again and I am thinking clearly before I address the situation.

To avoid a sleepless night and the temptation of just responding immediately, I just avoid these platforms once the sun has gone down. If I do choose to go on them past dark, I try to not look at comments, likes, follows, or any metrics. In the long run, these don't matter anyway, so there is really no reason to get worked up over them.

If you have any tips or tricks for dealing with anxiety due to managing social media, I would love to hear your thoughts! Shoot me an email or leave a comment down below so I can include your ideas in my next post!