Social media wasn’t good for my mental health. I realized this during the 2016 Philippine election campaign period. Fake news was everywhere. And trolls dominate. What’s decent became acceptable. Lies and deceit became normal.
Of course, this was not new to me. Some years back, I stopped reading the Philippine Daily Inquirer in the morning. Yes, it was the best newspaper in the Philippines. But starting your day learning about how politicians becoming more corrupt wasn’t good.
When you start your morning with corruption, the whole day cannot be the “best day of your life” anymore.
I am writing this piece to remind you that can must take control of your days.
Cyber Wellness and Mental Health
Cyber wellness refers to the positive well-being of individuals when interacting digitally. It’s about knowing how to protect oneself and manage cyberspace behavior.
On the other hand, mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. As more people engage online for work, leisure, and social interaction, the importance of cyber wellness to mental health has become apparent.
The Importance of Mental Health for Professionals
Working professionals are often exposed to high levels of stress, and their mental health is critical to their overall well-being, productivity, and career advancement.
A healthy mind enhances creativity, focus, and the capacity to manage stress and difficulties effectively. Conversely, poor mental health can negatively impact job performance, relationships, and personal life.
The Role of Cyber Wellness in Preserving Mental Health
In the digital age, it’s become commonplace for employees to vent frustrations online, engage in time-consuming debates with internet trolls, or even, unfortunately, express resentment towards their bosses or companies publicly.
This kind of online behavior harms not only their professional reputation but also their mental health.
10 Cyber Wellness Habits
We can control our days. We can decide how our screen time can serve us.
I still go to social media to post articles and invite people to join my seminars. At times, I still read news about Philippine show business.
I am still amused about how some of our current senators investigate as if they were complainants in Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo. In fairness, Tulfo knows how to investigate. But some of his fellow senators are like that of his usual complainants.
They are funny for ten seconds. After that, they just ruin my faith in the government. So, I pay attention to other things where I can add value. Writing this is my way today. Later, I will write proposals for team building, and then strategize on how to come up with value-added Facebook shows.
Anyhoo.
I will give you 10 actionable items that you can turn into habits. These will help you keep a healthy digital life.
Be Mindful of What You Share
Professionals often vent online about work-related frustrations. Over time, these outbursts can create a negative online persona that could harm your reputation and future career opportunities.
Before posting, consider the possible impacts. Think about talking to someone you trust or a superior about your issues instead.
Avoid Trolls
You may find yourself tangled in online debates. This can lead to stress and wasted time that could have been used more productively.
Learn to identify and ignore trolls. Redirect your energy towards more constructive online activities.
Do Digital Detox
Excessive screen time can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and trouble focusing.
Schedule regular breaks from your devices. For example, you could create a daily routine where you disconnect from your devices an hour before bedtime.
Join Online Support Groups
Working professionals sometimes feel isolated or overwhelmed. This can impact morale and performance.
Join positive online communities that align with your interests. Sharing experiences and tips with others can provide a sense of camaraderie and support.
Be Aware of Cyber Bullying
Cyberbullying causes stress and can damage your professional image.
Learn how to identify signs of cyberbullying. If you see someone being harassed online, take appropriate action, such as reporting it to your supervisor or the relevant authorities.
Keep Healthy Online Relationships
Negative online interactions can harm relationships and affect team cohesion.
Maintain a respectful and professional tone during online discussions. Address disagreements constructively.
Set Your Privacy Settings
With increasing online threats, there’s a risk of private information being exposed. This can lead to stress and potential identity theft.
Regularly review and update your privacy settings on all digital platforms to control what you share and who can see it.
Improve Digital Literacy
The fast-evolving digital landscape can sometimes make professionals feel overwhelmed or fall prey to scams.
Stay updated with the latest digital trends and threats. Understanding these can help protect your online identity.
Manage Online Time
Too much time spent on non-work-related online activities can reduce productivity.
Monitor your online activities and set time limits for non-essential digital use. Use time-tracking tools to keep your digital habits in check.
Keep A Positive Online Presence
An inconsistent or negative online image can harm professional growth.
I hold my political beliefs sacred. And I am already ready to share them with people. But not everyone is willing to listen. Also, I realized that as a speaker, I have influence. I lost many clients because of my stands. I do not regret expressing myself.
However, it is important for us professionals to understand that not everyone who will read our posts is a friend. Not everyone knows where we are coming from. For this reason, strangers called me names. And most of them will waste your time (probably because they got paid for wasting our time).
Ensure your online actions reflect your professional goals and persona. Regularly update your profiles and contribute positively to online discussions in your field.
By integrating these cyber wellness habits into your online routine, you can navigate the digital world safely, improve your productivity, and enhance your overall mental health.
