I want to talk about social media overwhelm because, oh my word what a week this has been!

I’m not going to talk about the election, but I will say this: social media is hard right now.

It’s not a happy place to be, and it can leave you feeling pretty crummy.

Social Media Overwhelm & Sensitive Souls

(Or, the healing power of crunching pine cones)

Social media is a challenging place for anyone to be right now, but it is doubly hard for those of us who are highly sensitive. Highly sensitive people “feel all the feels” on a typical day, and the past week has been anything but typical. If you are suffering from social media overwhelm, read on…

5 Healthy Alternatives to Social Media

The absolute best thing you can do when experiencing social media overwhelm is to turn off your computer, put your cell on silent, and walk away. Here are some simple strategies for making the most of your social media vacation.

Today, I’m sharing simple ways to cope with social media overwhelm. These are the strategies I employ, as a sensitive soul, for combating social media overwhelm. When you are finished reading, I’d love to hear what you are doing!

1. Nature

Do you know what is wonderful about autumn in New England? Pinecones. To me, there is little more satisfying than crunching a pinecone. Pinecone crunching has brought me joy since I was a little girl and it’s never lost its magic. In fact, it’s not unusual for my kiddos to come running up to me with a perfect pinecone for me to crunch. Even my kids know the healing properties of pinecone crunching! I have found pinecone crunching to be especially therapeutic this week and I would highly recommend it to those of you who live in a place with pinecones.

Even if you don’t live in a pinecone laden community, it’s important to get out there. Nature has a calming effect when the world feels off-kilter. In his best-selling book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv explores research linking children’s health and well-being to direct exposure to nature. And, lest you think nature only benefits children, Louv shares the benefits for adults in his book, The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age.

Louv uses research to highlight the many benefits of time spent in nature, including:

• Increased health and happiness
• Increased attention, academic success, and creativity
• Decreased obesity
• Decreased rates of anxiety and depression
• Increased concern and care for the natural world

2. Get lost in a book

I have a friend who is at Disney this week. She said it was the absolute best timing because everyone is happy and no one is talking about the election. Unfortunately, we can’t all be at Disney, and so the  next best thing is to pick up a fantastic book and escape for a little while.

Don’t have time to read because you’ve got little kids underfoot? Grab a stack of picture books, a fuzzy blanket, and snuggle up together. You’ll feel better, I promise!

Looking for some ideas? I have tons of books on this site, but here are a few ideas:

• 25 Books About Gratitude to Inspire Kindness at Home
• 100 Games and Picture Books for Play-Based Learning

3. Take a tub

I’m giving you permission to take a moment for yourself this week. Run a bath, grab a book, and leave your phone in another room. You’ll feel so much better!

If you simply cannot find the time to do this, do something else that works for you. (If you are in an especially challenging season, you might need Adult Granola.)

4. Spread kindness and focus on the good

When the media feels especially negative, spread kindness in your corner of this earth. Small acts of kindness can create huge, lasting ripples. This year, we are re-instating our Family Kindness Project and we are also enjoying our first holiday season with The Kindness Elves. It is also important to keep in mind that most people are good and not everyone is angry, even though the media is hyper-focused on the negative right now.

• Family Kindness Project {Have You Filled A Bucket Today?}
• Just So Thankful Jar: A Simple Thanksgiving Tradition
• Big-Hearted and Brilliant: Service Ideas That Flex Empathy Muscles and Expand Young Minds

5. Dance it out

This has been my go-to strategy in times of stress. In our home, we dance daily. We call this tradition Kenny Hour, but you can listen to whatever makes your heart sing. Turn up the volume and dance in your kitchen.

Feel free to add a tutu if the spirit moves you…

A few tips for those that have to be on Facebook right now

I’m one of those highly sensitive souls but because of this site, The Homeschool Sisters Podcast, The My Little Poppies {Virtual} Book Club, and Raising Poppies, I have to be on social media daily and navigate conflict and tricky situations.

It’s emotionally exhausting. And I know I am not alone in feeling this way. Here are some tips:

1. Turn off notifications

Disable your notifications. You will look at your phone and computer less, and that’s a good thing!

2. Set a timer

If you have to be on social media, set a timer so you don’t get lost down some dark, angry rabbit hole.

3. Stay the course

Write down a to-do list and stick to it. Don’t head over to Gram’s FB profile to see what inflammatory meme she shared this hour. Don’t do it. And this brings me to…

4. You can unfollow squeaky wheels on Facebook

You can unfollow people and they won’t know. You can stay friends with Uncle Jim but not see anything from him in your newsfeed. Win win!

5. Facebook groups

Facebook groups are tricky and I know this because I have a few. If you are in a group with a few squeaky wheels who repeatedly raise your blood pressure, you can block them. You won’t see what they write, and they won’t see what you write.

6. Set up a temporary profile

I have this genius friend who has created another Facebook profile that she is using only for homeschool purposes. She has rejoined favorite groups but has nothing in her newsfeed because this profile has not liked anything and does not have friends. She is able to get the information she needs without reading anything upsetting.

If all else fails…

When all else seems to be failing, find a way to laugh. Need help? Check this out.

If your child is struggling in the wake of the election…

This post may help (and please note that it is not about a candidate, it is about parenting a child who worries):

Wondering if your child is gifted/2e?

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Are you a sensitive soul? What is helping this week? Share here!