In today’s fast-paced digital world, it can be easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of social media and the demands of constant connection. This dynamic can be even more demanding for musicians, as social media platforms are a key way to discover new fans and connect with other artists.
However, just as crafting the perfect song requires time and patience, so does safeguarding your mental health against the potential impacts of excessive or unhealthy social media consumption. In this article, we explore three reasons why it’s important for musicians to look after their mental wellbeing before anything else.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
While a social media presence can bring many benefits to budding artists, it’s crucial to work towards finding a balance between online and reality. The always-on culture can take a toll on our minds even if social media is used in a positive way. It just doesn’t offer the same rewards that come with engaging in offline hobbies or interacting with friends, which can rejuvenate your mind and help restore the creative energy that musicians need.
Curating a positive platform
Social media has two very different sides, and in order to maintain a healthy mental outlook, you’ll want to ensure you curate a platform that promotes positivity. If you consider your online connections as friends, it’s important to remember that quality outweighs quantity. Instead of obsessing over your follower count, try to nurture genuine relationships that inspire you and add value. Whether that means engaging with other artists or fans, it’s all about building a supportive digital community that can act as a positive influence on your mental wellbeing.
Understanding the impact
According to a recent survey, 57% of young people feel that their mental wellbeing is getting worse, and social media was cited as the principal reason for this decline by 42% of respondents. Just as we worry about how what we consume impacts our physical health, it’s equally as important to monitor the content that we view in order to safeguard our mental health. Viewing content that promotes unrealistic standards can lead to feelings of stress over comparing ourselves to others, so try to analyse how the content you consume makes you feel, and make choices that uplift you instead of bringing you down.
Exposure to content that provokes negative emotions can really take a toll on all aspects of your life, and is particularly harmful if it begins to take over significant portions of your day-to-day routine. So if you find yourself falling into unhealthy habits, it’s likely a sign that it’s time to take a break.
As a musician, abandoning your online presence often isn’t an option, and it doesn’t have to be. Prioritising your mental health is about using social media in a healthy way, so that your platform remains a positive and inspiring place. By understanding how social media can take a toll on your wellbeing, you can start to take steps towards refreshing your platform to be a more supportive place. After all, protecting your mental health is key to getting creativity flowing through your brain, so take the time to find out what works best for you.
