The coronavirus pandemic has put us all in a very uncomfortable position. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, our lives have been put on pause. Schools and businesses have been closed and we have transitioned into a shelter at home phase until further notice, uncertain to how long all of this will last. There is something we can do to ease our uncertainty. Take a break from social media.

Social media has become a mainstay in our lives, and for many of us, it is our main source of news and communication. If social media is your main source of news, especially now, it’s just going to contribute to that feeling we are all experiencing of the lack of control we have over the situation. Every meme, every movie that gets postponed, every new case that gets reported, every image of empty streets, all of these things are completely out of your control. The reality of the situation is nothing compared to the level of hysteria in the air, as people fight over toilet paper and scam artists push phoney cures and remedies. While it would be unwise to just ignore the situation, it’s impossible to ignore, now more than ever is it important to use common sense and filter out all the panic, and a great way to do that is to take a social media break.

Not only that, but in the midst of a public health crisis it seems counterproductive for all of us to sit around being inactive, staring at the blue lights of a variety of screens, and eating junk food. Keep up with your physical wellbeing. A common misconception is that we are not allowed to go outside. The actual concern is congregating in large groups, so if you do go out, be sure to maintain a distance of six feet away from other people. So if you feel like going for a run, go for a run, get some fresh air in your backyard, soak in the sun if need be.

Truth be told to going cold turkey seems like a herculean task at the moment, so try slowly easing down your social media usage. Check your feed in the morning, log off and live your lives, then check it again before you go to bed. This is the perfect opportunity to get stuff done around the house, learn a new skill, or get into shape at home. While social distancing might mean that you feel cut off from your family and friends, you can still check up on them in these trying times, maybe even give them an actual call or organize a Netflix Party with your friends. Focus on the things you can control and stay safe.