Student Wellness
At Wellington Catholic District School Board
At Wellington Catholic District School Board
TRY A LITTLE WELL-BEING 'MAGIC'
Learn how you can use
Mindfulness, Activity, Generosity, Interest, and Connections
to boost your mental wellness!
Scroll through these tips to stay on top of your work.
Remember- when in doubt, it's okay to reach out!
Talk to a teacher or guidance counsellor for more support.
You decline their invitation, turn down their request, or set a boundary about something, and instead of accepting your answer, they launch into a full-blown interrogation mode and won’t let up until you agree. "Come on, just this once." "It'll be fun, I promise." "You can leave early if you want." "But why not?" Maybe they try guilt: "I really need your help with this," or "Everyone else is going to be there." They might use logic: "It doesn't make sense for you to say no because..." Or they wear you down with persistence, asking the same thing multiple times, hoping you'll eventually cave.
You start to feel like you need to justify every boundary with a detailed explanation, or you find yourself saying yes just to make the pushing stop. Your initial "no" gets lost in a sea of their arguments, and you begin to doubt whether you had good reasons for declining in the first place.
Make Your Boundary Clear and Hold It Firmly
Don't over-explain your initial "no." The more reasons you give, the more ammunition they have to argue with each point. "No, I can't do that" is a complete sentence.
Use the broken record technique: Repeat the same response calmly. "I already said no." "My answer hasn't changed." "I'm not going to discuss this further."
Call out the pattern directly: "I've already given you my answer, and I need you to respect that instead of trying to change my mind."
Don't get pulled into defending your decision: "I don't need to justify why I'm saying no. I need you to accept my answer."
When you allow people to negotiate your boundaries, you teach them that your "no" doesn't really mean no; it means "convince me harder." This erodes your autonomy and creates a dynamic where you have to fight for your own decisions. Healthy relationships require mutual respect for each other's choices and boundaries. Someone who consistently pushes after you've declined something is prioritizing their wants over your right to make decisions about your own life.
Source: The Daily Wellness
Social media fatigue refers to the emotional and mental exhaustion that stems from prolonged use of social media platforms (Bright et al., 2015). It’s that experience of feeling drained, anxious, or even sad when you’re scrolling through your feed. Think of it as digital burnout that can affect your overall well-being.
Social media fatigue can be caused by a variety of things, including:
Information overload – The constant stream of information, updates, and posts can be overwhelming and can lead to brain (cognitive) overload.
Comparison trap – Social media often portrays a perfect version of reality, making it easy to compare yourself with others and feel inadequate.
Fear of missing out – FOMO, the fear of missing out on exciting events or experiences others are experiencing, can keep you glued to your screens and contribute to fatigue.
Negative content – Exposure to negative news, cyberbullying, or toxic comments can take a toll on your emotional well-being.
Here are some strategies that can help you manage social media fatigue. What works for one person might not work for another – trial and error might be needed to find what works for you.
Set limits – Establish boundaries by setting daily time limits for social media usage. Consider using features on platforms that remind you when you’ve reached the limit you’ve set.
Digital detox – Dedicate certain hours of the day or even entire days to disconnect from social media. Use this time to engage in offline activities that bring you joy.
Curate your feed – Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious or inadequate. Follow accounts that promote positivity, inspiration, and well-being.
Be mindful of your emotions and needs – Before scrolling, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you in the right headspace to engage with social media?
Focus on real-life connections – Spend quality time with friends, family, and community offline. Having face-to-face interactions can be refreshing and fulfilling.
Hobbies and passions – Rediscover or develop new hobbies that aren’t connected to screens. These can be outlets for creativity and relaxation.
Educate yourself – Learn about the impact of social media on mental health. Understanding the psychological aspects can help you make informed decisions.
Remember, social media is a tool that should enhance your life, not take away from it. It’s okay to take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize your mental well-being. By being mindful of your social media usage and practicing self-care, you can effectively manage social media fatigue and create a healthier online experience for yourself. So, go ahead, log off, and explore the beautiful world beyond the screen!
https://smho-smso.ca/students/blog/
If you're looking to practice more calming moments, check out these guided mindfulness moments through Calm, click here.