Excessive social media use has been linked to anxiety & depression due to factors such as cyberbullying, social comparison, & the pressure to constantly present a curated image of oneself. The constant influx of information & notifications can also lead to feelings of overwhelm & a lack of control. Know why SOCIAL MEDIA can cause anxiety & depression: Social comparison: Social media often promotes a culture of comparison, where individuals compare themselves to others’ carefully curated online personas, leading to feelings of inadequacy & low self-esteem. Cyberbullying: Online harassment & bullying can be amplified on social media, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, & anxiety. Fear of missing out (FOMO): Social media can create a sense of pressure to constantly stay connected & up-to-date, leading to anxiety & a fear of missing out on important events or experiences. Information overload: The constant stream of information & notifications on social media can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed & a lack of control, leading to anxiety. Unrealistic expectations: Social media can create unrealistic expectations for oneself & others, leading to disappointment, frustration, & anxiety. Addiction: Social media addiction can lead to negative impacts on mental health, including depression & anxiety, as individuals may feel a sense of dependency or loss of control over their social media use. Online harassment: Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for online harassment, which can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, & depression. Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking, which is the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or stalk someone, can also be a source of anxiety & depression for victims. Sleep disruption: Social media use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue & irritability, which can exacerbate feelings of depression & anxiety. Social isolation: Social media can create a false sense of connection, leading individuals to spend less time socializing in person, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, & anxiety.
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Unlocking Confidence and Connection Social anxiety is a mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, & therapy can be an effective treatment option. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear, nervousness, or self-consciousness in social situations, which can interfere with a person’s ability to form & maintain relationships, perform at work or school, & engage in social activities. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often recommended as a first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder. CBT can help individuals with social anxiety to identify & challenge negative thoughts & beliefs that contribute to their anxiety, develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms, & gradually expose themselves to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled & supportive environment. Other forms of therapy, such as exposure therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, & psychodynamic therapy, may also be helpful for individuals with social anxiety, depending on their specific needs & preferences. It’s important to seek professional help from a licensed mental health provider, such as a therapist or psychologist, if you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety. A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis, create an individualized treatment plan, & support you throughout your journey towards recovery.
Stretches the hips & groin muscles: The pose involves drawing the knees towards the chest while holding onto the outer edges of the feet, which can help stretch the muscles of the hips & groin. Relieves tension & tightness in the lower back: Happy Baby Pose can help release tension & tightness in the lower back, which is especially helpful for people who sit for extended periods or engage in activities that involve repetitive movements. Calms the mind & promotes relaxation: The gentle rocking motion of the pose can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to promote relaxation & reduce stress and anxiety. Helps release stress & anxiety: Happy Baby Pose can be a useful tool for managing stress & anxiety, as the posture helps to release tension & promote relaxation. Promotes better digestion & elimination: The pose can help stimulate the digestive system by massaging the abdominal organs, which can help promote better digestion & elimination. Can alleviate menstrual cramps & discomfort: Happy Baby Pose can help relieve menstrual cramps & discomfort by releasing tension in the hips & lower back. Strengthens the arms & shoulders: Holding onto the outer edges of the feet in Happy Baby Pose can help strengthen the arms & shoulders. Can help improve posture: The pose can help improve posture by stretching the muscles of the lower back & hips, which can help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting or standing. Can aid in better sleep: Practicing Happy Baby Pose before bed can help promote relaxation & improve sleep quality. Can be a gentle & restorative pose for those with injuries or chronic pain: Happy Baby Pose can be a gentle and restorative posture for people with injuries or chronic pain, as it can help release tension & promote relaxation without putting strain on the body. It is important to remember that everyone’s experience & physical abilities are unique, so some of these benefits may be more pronounced for some people than others. As always, it is recommended to practice yoga under the guidance of a qualified teacher to ensure proper alignment & safety.
