Did you know that Instagram can affect an influencer’s mental health? If you’ve been experiencing influencer overwhelm, then maybe it’s Instagram.
While you’re probably thinking it makes perfect sense, fact is, it’s been proven. According to research:
“Instagram use is correlated with a range of psychological well-being variables, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem. Exposure to idealized images leads to a decrease in self-rated attractiveness, implying chronic exposure may impact psychological health.”
APA PsycInfo Database Record
In layman’s terms, this means, the more you use Instagram, the more your self-esteem and self-worth suffers.
Interestingly enough, I cannot disagree with that finding. Can you?
So, I ask, has your mental health been suffering?
Truth is, for influencers worldwide, Instagram is the medium in which money comes through. So, regardless of you liking or disliking Instagram, it’s the place where you earn a living so there is no way around it.
For this reason, it’s important to have safeguards in place to preserve your mental health.
One safeguard is to incorporate yogic postures and yoga breathing exercises into your day, or during moments of stress.
Another is to play therapy games! (yes, you read correctly…)
3 Fun Therapy Games To Better An Influencer’s Mental Health
I recently came across a neat website which has an impressive inventory of therapy games ideal for an influencer’s mental health — www.solitaire.org.
Now, don’t be tricked by the name. The website doesn’t just include solitaire. There are other card games like blackjack, gin rummy, and hearts, to name a few.
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To add to that, there are several more games like the hidden objects game which takes place in a garden, castle, or circus (among other themes).
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Below are three types of therapy games I play on that site. They help ease my mind, and enable me to keep moving forward on days when I feel writer’s block kicking in.
1) Logic Puzzles
I enjoy playing logic puzzles such as chess, crossword, and tetra blocks.
As odd as it may sound, they’re quite therapeutic to play. My preference is playing games that enhance my creativity.
Furthermore, during moments of mental overload and overwhelm, I find myself playing a few rounds of these therapy games.
And, it actually helps!
2) Word Puzzles
In addition to being an influencer, I’m also an author and blogger. Plus, I write for corporations on a professional capacity.
Needless to say, I absolutely love words! That’s why I especially enjoy playing the word search and letter scramble games.
Playing word puzzles online is so much fun. Not only does it help me recharge my mind, it also provides me with a word or two for my blogging (#ProTip).
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3) Solitaire
Card games never get old, no matter how much you age. One of the most universally-known card games of all time is solitaire.
When I was growing up, I remember playing solitaire with a deck of cards sitting on the floor.
Today, you can play it online, seated in front of your computer or on the go using your smartphone. So, why don’t you do that?!
Studies show that people who play cards and board games are likelier to remain mentally sharp as they get older. Additionally, in a USA Today story, a nurse practitioner and neuroscience professor at Sacramento State University said:
“Board games, card games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and matching games — all are creative and fun, which support brain health and wellness.”
Joyce mikal-flynn
Yoga Breathing Exercise To Calm The Mind
As I mentioned earlier, it’s really important to find ways to release stress. You and I both know, being an influencer isn’t as easy a job as people think it is.
There’s lots of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into influencing full time. For that reason, an influencer’s mental health is bound to suffer.
When you feel like you’re about to burst from all of the pent-up frustration you’re carrying, refer to the mantra below. It’s a yoga breathing exercise that I learned many years ago.
Mantra = So Hum
It means, “I am that.” To elaborate further, the mantra equates to, “I am pure awareness. I am one with the Universe.”
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- As you inhale, silently say the word “So.”
- As you exhale, silently say the word “Hum.”
- Breathe slowly and align the mantra to each breath.
- Continue to repeat this sequence for as long as you need.
To sum up, your physical and mental health should always come first. If either is out of balance, then your work as an influencer will suffer too.
Feel free to bookmark this article and refer back to the tools and resources mentioned. Above all, don’t forget to visit www.LuvlyLongLocks.com for more influencer mental health advice, business tips, and everything hair and beauty.
