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How can I connect online in a healthy way · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Connecting with people online has become a normal part of how relationships form and stay alive.
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  SPEAKER_00: Whether that's through messaging, social media or shared communities, it can genuinely bring people closer.
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  SPEAKER_00: At the same time, it's easy for that connection to start costing more than it gives, especially when notifications, comparison, or constant availability start creeping into the picture.
• 0:25
  SPEAKER_00: Connecting online in a healthy way is really about staying intentional with how and when you decide to engage.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: One helpful shift is to notice a difference between using your phone to connect and using it to avoid something else like boredom, stress or loneliness.
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  SPEAKER_00: Neither is wrong, but knowing which one you're doing helps you stay in control of the interaction rather than interaction controlling you.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: It also helps to ask yourself how you actually feel after certain conversations or accounts, energized and closer to people, or drained and comparing yourself.
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  SPEAKER_00: That feedback is useful information that you can later act on.
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  SPEAKER_00: And practical ways to support yourself with this is to make a few small changes to help make a real difference, such as setting a time in the evening to put your phone away, protects your sleep and gives your mind a break.
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  SPEAKER_00: Using do not disturb or focus settings during the day can help reduce the pull of constant notifications.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: If certain accounts consistently leave you feeling anxious or low, then muting or unfollowing them is a reasonable choice, not something to feel guilty about.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: As balancing online connection with offline activities like meeting a friend in person or what or a hobby keeps things in perspective and gives your relationship more than one dimension to grow in.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you notice your online habits are affecting your sleep mood concentration or making you feel more isolated rather than less, it's worth talking to someone about, whether that's a friend, your GP or a therapist.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: Now, this is especially true if stepping away from your phone feels genuinely difficult to do, or if online interactions are leaving you feeling unsafe or unusually distressed.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: Now, for more support and resources around online connection belonging, you can always come back to this topic in the app, and if you are thinking about harming yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.