In the last few weeks, social media has been busier than usual, as states and counties across the country are implementing stay at home orders to combat the spread of COVID-19. It’s become clear as to how important a tool social media has become, whether it is through teachers using it to communicate to students, reporters using it to spread information, or just people reaching out to another in a time when we can’t do it physically. 

Through the last few weeks, all of my social media feeds have been flooded with tips and tricks on how to cope with social distancing, learning from home, and staying healthy. While some of these posts are just trying to be helpful, I’ve also seen an alarming number of posts that are encouraging everyone to essentially work as much and as hard as they can all day long. 

Now, I agree that spending your time in self-isolation watching Netflix all day isn’t good for your physical or emotional well-being, the constant push to stretch yourself too thin even in the midst of a pandemic is even worse. 

I’ve seen so many tweets and posts that encourage everyone to wake up super early, workout, finish with your meetings/work for the day, pick up a side hustle, learn new hobbies, cook something new, and etc. until the next morning, and then do it all again. And if it was just merely an encouraging tweet then it wouldn’t be that bad, however, at the end of the day, there are hundreds more shaming those who didn’t do every single one of those things that they set out to do. 

The fact is that our world is in a scary time right now, and there are many who could be dealing with nerves and anxiety about staying inside all day, their health, their jobs, and etc. It’s okay to not learn a new skill every single day of self-isolation, or take a break from working out, or take a day to try and unwind and just watch Netflix. 

If you’re feeling scared about everything going on or are just feeling down about not getting to hang out like you usually do, try and reach out your friends through social media, text people you haven’t had the chance to talk to lately, or set up an appointment with your counselor through the counselor website.

Don’t let social media make you think that your day is wasted if it wasn’t spent working for every waking moment. Having a schedule and budgeting your time is important, yes, but it is also important to take into account your mental health and emotional well-being.