Dare to take a challenge?

I have to honestly tell you that I love the things that social media can do. During this current situation that everyone finds themselves in across the globe - social media has really flexed it muscles. I personally have used the internet and media to go to church, attend a board meeting, work from my couch, face chat with my family and make it to a counseling appointment.

As is the case with everything - with the good we also have to take the bad. Social media presents us with many opportunities but it can be really damaging also. The damaging part is why I have limited my time and use on it. In particular - I am not currently spending but maybe 5 whole minutes a day on Facebook and Instagram. I use this short period to check my notifications and messages. On occasion I will watch a video and there have been some really good ones. The videos of different individuals from different countries all over the world sharing hope from their balconies by playing music - have been my favorites so far.

Overall though, I currently cannot handle the influx of fear or anxiety that I read or see on these sites. I personally struggle with anxiety and this just adds to it. I know there are a lot of people out there that just want to share the "helpful" knowledge that they have acquired. However, I want to share two challenges that goes against the way our brains work.

Science has shown that when we are on social media we experience an endorphin release for likes, comments, and shares. We are, by nature, attracted to this and over time this forms addiction. Further we as humans need social contact and will often use this as a substitute for the real thing. That is all it is though, a substitute. It doesn't actually fill the void we experience when we do not have social interaction. We also don't like to feel like we've missed something. Social media has a way of making us feel like if we don't check in we are missing out. If we don't get clicks, likes, follows, or whatever we feel rejected in a way. And for every action we do receive we get jolt of endorphins that makes us keep ringing that bell.

I do business on social media and this blog is considered social media, but I have been really challenged to put it down. Last week, the Hubs and I decided we would have a corona virus free day. No media, no news, no emails, no phone calls - no conversations about it. It was the best day. Did we do anything special - no. We just chose not to let the world decide what we thought about that day. Seriously - almost all of the conversation right now is negative. We don't have answers and honestly what we think we know today will be completely different tomorrow. You're knowing about it will not change anything! Take a step back from it and it will make you feel so much better. I challenge you! No I triple dog dare you - Go one full day without Faceyspacy, Instatweets, and snapplechat. See how you feel.

If you are struggling with anxiety or fear right now - then please take me seriously. Being "involved" is not helping. Put it down - sit in the sun - read a book. You will feel a whole lot better. You are only being bombarded with messages of no hope, fear, anxiety, worry, and anger. Very little of it is positive and it takes 10 positives to combat 1 negative. Think about that for a moment. Not only that but so much of what you read or hear is designed to get the clicks. So the headlines, memes and so much other information really cannot be trusted right now. Just turn it off.

Like most of us - you probably can't go a day without checking or posting. If that is the case - then here is challenge part two. Share only positive uplifting messages. Don't repeat anything or share anything unless you were there when it happened. Meaning you're the scientist that discovered the cure. Go back to sharing your puppy dog pictures, cat videos, and the positive stories about humanity. Do not repeat the rhetoric that is being forced into your world. We can overcome evil with good and now is the time to prove that.

Emotion is contagious. You can either spread the negative or the positive. Are you wanting to hurt or help? Best part - you get to choose. Choose wisely.

Jess

#challengepost