035 Declutter Your Newsfeed

Today’s episode is all about the digital world and how to cultivate a more positive online experience, specifically by decluttering your newsfeed.

Just a heads up, I’m going to be taking a break from giving you new episodes after this Friday Focus on July 19th, 2024. I’ve opened up my BETA program for the membership and I want to give them my full attention as we build the incredible Declutter Vault. I will be back with new episodes the week of August 19th. If you have any questions or topics  you want to hear for Season 2, please email me at Heather@DeclutterForCHANGE.com. And if you’re interested in joining the BETA program at an incredible discount, CLICK HERE. It’s a supportive space to help you reach your decluttering goals, and the doors are closing this Saturday, July 20th, 2024.

Now, let’s dive into the world of digital newsfeed decluttering…

Social media can feel like a rollercoaster ride. It connects us with loved ones, keeps us informed, and can be a source of inspiration and entertainment. But on the flip side, it can also be a breeding ground for negativity, especially when it comes to the constant barrage of breaking news, extreme weather events, and natural disasters.

Now, I know many of you are juggling a lot, and staying on top of current events can feel important. But for those with neurodiversities like ADHD, autism, or OCD, that constant influx of negativity can be incredibly overwhelming. It can contribute to anxiety, make it even harder to focus, and zap your mental energy – the very resource you need to thrive in both your business and personal life.

So, how can we declutter our newsfeeds and create a more mindful online experience? Here are some actionable steps you can take:

Become a newsfeed curator, not a consumer

The first step is to ruthlessly evaluate the content you’re currently consuming. Are there news outlets that constantly focus on the worst-case scenario? Unfollow them. Do you have friends or acquaintances who always seem to be complaining or posting negativity? It’s okay to mute them or take a break from their updates. I’ve done this many many times before. In fact, if I’ve muted someone “for 30 days” twice, and if I still don’t see anything on their feed has improved, I unfriend.  There’s a place and time for people to complain and it’s their personal platform so I walk away from the situation rather than become part of the problem. 

As a Canadian, the best thing I find that happened recently was how our government won’t allow social media to show us News Outlets’ posts. Can I tell you it’s been a breath of fresh air. I haven’t missed it at all this entire time. And it’s only been about a year.

Invest in positive newsfeeds

But decluttering isn’t just about removing negativity. It’s also about actively seeking out content that uplifts, motivates, and inspires you. Here are some ideas:

• Follow local heroes and inspiring figures. Does your community have a soup kitchen that’s doing amazing work? A local artist creating beautiful pieces? Follow them and let their stories brighten your day.
• Find newsfeed accounts that align with your passions. Are you an entrepreneur who loves business tips? A fitness enthusiast who thrives on workout videos? Seek out those accounts and fill your feed with content that fuels your passions.
• Embrace the power of humour. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Follow comedians, meme accounts, or animal pages that make you laugh. Even a few minutes of laughter can boost your mood and reduce stress.
• Consider the power of nostalgia. Sometimes, a trip down memory lane can be incredibly uplifting. Follow throwback accounts that remind you of happy times, or reconnect with old friends on social media.

Be intentional about your newsfeed consumption

News is important, but there’s a difference between staying informed and feeling overwhelmed. Here are some strategies to create a healthier relationship with the news:

• Designate specific times to check the news. Instead of letting news notifications constantly bombard you, set aside specific times throughout the day to check reliable news sources. This will help you stay informed without getting sucked into a negativity vortex.
• Choose your news sources wisely. Not all news outlets are created equal. Stick to reputable sources known for their accuracy and balanced reporting. Avoid those known for sensationalism or extreme bias.
• Consider a news brief app. These apps allow you to customize your news feed by selecting the topics and sources you want to see. This can be a great way to curate a more positive and informative news experience.

Remember, comparison is the thief of joy

Social media often creates a highlight reel of other people’s lives. Perfectly curated vacations, seemingly effortless achievements, and flawless relationships – it’s easy to get caught up in comparing your perfectly normal reality to someone else’s carefully crafted online persona.

Here’s the truth: nobody’s life is perfect. Everyone has struggles, challenges, and messy behind-the-scenes moments. Don’t get discouraged by the seemingly perfect lives you see online. Many times, it might not even be real, but rather AI generated content/photos/etc. Focus on your own journey, your own progress, and celebrate your own unique wins.

Beyond the newsfeed: Creating a digital sanctuary

Decluttering your newsfeed is a fantastic first step, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional ways to create a more positive and mindful online experience:

• Limit your screen time. It’s easy to get lost in the scroll. Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Maybe designate certain times of the day or evenings as “screen-free” zones.
• Be mindful of who you engage with online. Sometimes, even well-meaning comments can turn into heated arguments. If you find yourself getting drawn into an online debate that’s stressing you out, disengage! It’s okay to walk away from conversations that don’t serve you. I’ve had to do this several times knowing it was only affecting my energy with each comment I made or read.

• Embrace the power of silence. In our constantly connected world, silence can feel like a luxury. But taking breaks from social media and allowing yourself some quiet time can be incredibly restorative. My favourite thing to do during the warm months is going outside and sitting on the grass, sometimes even leaning up against a tree. The power of grounding yourself during times of uncertainty is immeasurable. 

The neurodiversity connection to your newsfeed

For many of you with neurodiversities like ADHD or autism, the constant stimulation of social media can be particularly overwhelming. Here are some specific strategies that can be helpful:

• Utilize filters and mute buttons liberally. Most social media platforms allow you to filter content by keyword or mute specific accounts for a set period. Don’t be afraid to use these tools to create a calmer online experience.
• Schedule social media breaks. Set timers or alarms to remind yourself to take breaks from scrolling. Use this time to focus on a task, get some fresh air, or simply disconnect and be present in the moment.
• Explore alternative social media platforms. Maybe the mainstream platforms just aren’t working for you. There are a variety of niche social media communities focused on specific interests or hobbies. Explore these alternatives and see if you find a more positive and supportive online space.

Finding balance: Staying informed and prepared

While it’s important to create a positive online space, staying completely uninformed isn’t the answer either. Here’s how to find a balance:

• Focus on local news. National and international news can feel overwhelming. Focus on what’s happening in your local community. This way, you can stay informed about things that directly impact you and your loved ones, without getting bogged down in global crises.
• Prepare for emergencies. Having a basic emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit can give you peace of mind. 

The power of pets and laughing babies on your newsfeed

If you have pets at home, consider following accounts that celebrate the human-animal bond. Studies have shown that interacting with cute animal content can actually reduce stress and boost feelings of happiness. Plus, seeing the unconditional love and joy your own pet brings can be a fantastic mood lifter. My kids and I constantly share TikToks, Instagram reels, etc. all around animals and the cute things they do. We even send each other babies laughing too because you can’t help but smile at those ones.

Remember, you are in control!

Social media is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. By following these tips and being intentional about your online experience, you can create a digital space that supports your well-being and brings more joy into your life.

Even small steps can make a big difference

Start by decluttering a few negative influences from your newsfeed. Set some boundaries around your screen time. Take a walk in nature and disconnect from the digital world for a while.

By making small, consistent changes, you can cultivate a more positive and mindful online experience that supports your overall well-being.

Declutter for Change is all about creating a life that works for you. By taking control of your digital space and creating a calmer online experience, you can free up mental space to focus on what truly matters in your business and personal life.