Taking A Break From Stressbook
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Taking A Break From Stressbook

Sometimes you just have to take a step back and relax, especially after a week like this.

26
Taking A Break From Stressbook
Pics Photos

In the wake of last week's presidential elections, I found myself extremely stress-ridden while prowling through social media and seeing people's reactions to how everything went down. Even though I shared the same feelings with my fellow peers regarding Donald Trump's victory, I also did not want to over-expose my mind to an endless stream of anxiety-inducing status updates and articles being posted. So it was then that I decided I should probably take a break from using Facebook and not check back in for a while. While I still access other sources of social media like Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter, it was Facebook in particular that seethed with the most negativity and anxiety for my mind.

It's hard for me to explain properly, but I feel like with the other social media platforms, it's easier for me to ignore the stories that stress me out than it is on Facebook. It could be that I use Facebook more than other websites, but I probably use YouTube more than Facebook and it has its fair share of anxiety-inducing content as well. I think the answer here is that on YouTube, I can search for content that distracts from the chaos around me, whereas on Facebook, it feels like all of the negativity is concentrated there.

Also I admittedly fall into the trap of comparing my life with those of my fellow peers and how the success stories they share fill me with a sense of competition and envy that I want to put under control. There actually have been studies on this phenomenon, with researchers stating that people who use Facebook as a means of measuring up to those who they consider to be more "successful" are more likely to report negative feelings like depression in response. I myself don't want to fall into that trap, so I believe taking a break from Facebook would help keep my mind under control and not express arbitrary jealousy towards my fellow peers, especially after this chaotic mess of a week.

My account is still activated so that my close friends and family members have a means of reaching out and contacting me, but I removed my bookmark so that I don't mindlessly click on the link and run into a stream of negative and stressful posts; when I do access Facebook, I have a purpose for doing so. As a result, I have noticed an improvement in my mood and state of mind. Facebook is like junk food for the brain and I feel more relaxed and content after lowering my intake of mental carbs. If there's one piece of advice I would give myself, it's that I should continue to pursue everything in life with moderation in mind, including the forms of media I access.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48575
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30876
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954744
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

178993
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments