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Category: Advice

  • Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    The transition between elementary or middle school to high school is a big one. As you grow older and move into high school-level classes, your responsibilities will change as well. Don’t be nervous, though! High school is not as scary as it seems, and you might find that you meet a lot of new friends and try a whole bunch of new things. It’s one of the most exciting times of your life!

    So what are some of these new responsibilities? For one, most schools don’t tolerate lateness, and some teachers even lock their doors to late students, so it’s very important to get to your classes on time. It might be difficult to find your way around in the first few weeks of high school, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Be sure to bring a copy of your timetable with you so you know where and when your classes start.

    Secondly, you will be expected to be much more independent than in the earlier grades. Teachers don’t hound students for homework or assignments and often penalize late essays. That’s why you need to keep track of when everything is due. The best way is to get a separate binder for each class (one in every colour) so you don’t get papers mixed up. An agenda, notebook or calendar is also vital in high school. You’ll want to be able to keep track of when tests are, when assignments are due and when the holidays start.

    You will have a locker where you can store your books, binders, sports equipment and any other assortment of pens, paper and articles of clothing. You are responsible for keeping your locker clean – or at least presentable.

    Meet some new people! While not necessarily a responsibility, you’ll find that if you reach out to other students, you might end up making friends you’ll have for years to come. Remember, this is a new experience for everybody in your classes.

    Work hard! Now that you’re in high school, you can’t slack on grades. These marks can affect which classes you take in the following years, and may even limit your options for college or university programs. If you pay attention to your teachers, show up on time, do your homework and hand in your assignments, then you’ll do fine in your classes. Just make sure to keep organized and on top of tests and assignments.

    Going from elementary into high school is a big leap, and with it comes new responsibilities and new freedoms.  If you work hard, show up on time and meet a few new friends, you might even find that you want to go to school in the morning. It’s a big adjustment to make, but soon you’ll be just as comfortable in your new school as you were in your old one.

  • It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    The first year of post-secondary can often feel very scary and sometimes overwhelming for many students. Post-secondary is such a large leap from the comfort zone of high school; students often feel as though the pressure and work expectancy can be overbearing. This is why it is important to know what to expect before you enter post-secondary, and have a better understanding of how to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

    So, what does the first year of post-secondary have in store for you?

    The first —and arguably most critical— expectation for post-secondary is: prepare yourself for a heavy course load. I’m sure it’s no surprise post-secondary is more academically challenging than high school. However, with the course load of each semester being much more condensed than that of a typical high school semester, the workload becomes intensified. This is often a big shock for most students, which is when the sense of being overwhelmed begins to come in.  A full course load in high school is not equivalent to that of a full course load in post-secondary, so be sure to prepare yourself for the next level and only accept as many classes as you can handle.

    Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, the next thing you should expect in post-secondary is to study! While of course studying has always been an important aspect throughout your education, now more than ever, you will need to study and learn the proper techniques on how to do so effectively. Gone are the days of cramming for an exam the night before; say hello to learning proper study techniques in order to reach academic success! (You’ll find proper study techniques are a lot less stressful than cramming, anyway!) One of the most effective study tips is to review your notes from each class every day. That way, when exam season rolls around, you won’t have to re-teach yourself any of the material; you’ll already have all of the knowledge memorized, and a quick refresher should be all you need!

    Despite taking all the right steps for academic success, expect some amount of stress. With new surroundings, unfamiliar professors, and a new level of academic pressure, some stress is going to arise. However, there is no need to fear, just prepare yourself and you’ll get through it! When you feel stress starting to take over, remember to make time for yourself to recharge before you burn yourself out! Exercise is a key aspect of staying physically and mentally healthy in post-secondary. Remember to give yourself breaks while studying, and try to exercise as much as possible! Remember, if you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, there are resources available to help guide you. Seek your institution’s counselling services if you find your stress levels unmanageable.

    With classes, assignments, exams and any potential out-of-school obligations, expect to be busy in post-secondary! Time management is key to maintaining your stress levels while still reaching academic success. Use a day planner, agenda, or calendar to keep track of important deadlines and exam dates, and plan your days accordingly. Ensure you are always giving yourself an adequate amount of time for studying and assignments, in order to avoid the “cramming the night before stress,” and are always handing in the best representation of your capabilities.

    Expect to meet some awesome new people! While post-secondary might feel slightly intimidating at first, remember you are not alone! There are plenty of other first-year students who feel exactly the same way as you do. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of clubs, sports teams, and programs that cater to a wide variety of different interests and talents. Get involved in different school activities that interest you; chances are you’ll meet some other great students who share similar interests. Remember, new friends can be found within the classroom, too! While you may feel shy or intimidated at first, remember the students in your class are in the very same position as you. Reaching out to students in your classes helps you break the ice, find new study-buddies, and potential lifelong friends.

    So, while post-secondary will undoubtedly be quite a change from anything you’re used to, remember you’re there for a reason! Just keep in mind what to expect when you walk through those doors, understand how to prepare yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be handling your first year of post-secondary like a pro.

  • Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    It can be stressful to figure out what to wear to a job interview, especially if you’ve never attended one before. Dressing professionally can help you leave a good first impression and feel more confident as you enter the workforce. You want to show hiring managers that you’re responsible, mature, and ready to adapt to their work environment. Overly casual outfits and distracting accessories can overshadow your accomplishments; you could be remembered as “the candidate with the ripped jeans” rather than for your skills and qualifications.

    As you prepare for your interview, use this article as a guide. Remember, the most important thing is to be confident and comfortable in whatever you wear!

    1. Research the Dress Code

    Different workplaces have different expectations. For example, the cashier at your local grocery store probably dresses more casually than a branch manager at the bank. Before your interview, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the organization’s dress code and prepare to match their preferred style. You may be able to find this information on their website, or you can ask the hiring manager for more information. You can also search for the organization on social media and try to assess the level of formality they expect from employees based on their images and posts.

    As a general rule, business casual attire includes slacks, knee-length skirts, tailored jackets, cardigans, and dress shoes. If you wear make-up, consider a natural look for the interview – for example, use a neutral colour palette that day. Avoid jeans, shorts, sundresses, and athletic wear.

    1. Consider the Little Things

    It’s important to pay attention to the details. Your outfit should be neat and professional from head to toe, as you want to look respectable and prepared. Ask yourself the following questions:

    • Are my clothes clean, ironed, and free of rips or stains?
    • Are my shoes polished and free of marks?
    • Have I groomed my hair and nails?
    • Is my jewelry professional? Have I removed my facial piercings?
    • Are my tattoos covered?

    You want the employer to focus on you – your ideas, abilities, and talents. Try to avoid potential distractions such as flashy jewelry, bold designs, and bright colours.

    1. Respect the Setting

    Even a casual workplace, such as a coffee shop, summer camp, or community centre, will expect you to look professional and put-together for the interview. You might be able to get away with a nice pair of jeans if they’re clean, neutral, and free of rips and tears. But you should still avoid streetwear like hoodies, sandals, athletic shorts, track pants, cropped shirts, or tank tops. When in doubt, assume that business casual is the norm. You should also dress more conservatively for a job interview. Your stomach, shoulders, and back should be covered. Ensure that your clothes fit properly.

    4. Be Comfortable and Confident

    While it’s important to dress professionally, it’s equally essential that you feel good in whatever you’re wearing. Prepare your outfit ahead of time and make sure you feel comfortable walking, sitting, and standing in it. Ensure that you can wear your shoes for long periods of time without feeling pain. If you’re unsure about an element of your outfit, ask a friend or family member for their advice. At the end of the day, employers want to know that you can do the work and be successful. Stay calm and don’t be afraid to smile!

     

    Sources

    Parent, J. (2022). How to Dress for a Job Interview: 3 Tips for Teens. Your Teen for Parents. https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/what-to-wear-to-an-interview-for-teens

  • Conflict Resolutions: Handling Disagreements Smoothly (French version available)

    Conflict Resolutions: Handling Disagreements Smoothly (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    There is no “I” in teamwork, so goes the adage. And as much as you want to believe that everything will go smoothly in group tasks or projects that require your participation, one way or another, there’s always a possibility that you’ll encounter a team member, or members, whose ideas will differ from yours.

    Reaching a compromise to reach an end goal is the best strategy, of course; however, that tends to be easier to say than do. However, consider these four approaches to work through differences to accomplish your mission.

    1. Take time to listen.

    As COVID forced most of us to conduct meetings and discussion in an online setting, it’s been much easier to talk over someone else or monopolize conversations, without being fully aware of it. And if you don’t agree with the views being presented, you may become easily frustrated. As a result, you tend to shut off and don’t make an effort to pay attention to what’s being said. However, keep in mind that listening to what others have to say is the first step in handling conflicts.

    1. Be empathetic and understanding.

    When you want to make a point, sometimes you get carried away and become too self-involved that you fail to recognize emotional cues from the other participants in your meeting. They may be having a tough time following the topic at hand, or they may be having issues at home that they’re not ready to talk about and are affecting their current disposition. Do all you can to drive your point home, but be sensitive in your tone and manner of speaking if you notice someone seems to be having inner turmoil.

    1. Don’t underestimate the theory of democracy.

    Everyone has their own plan to accomplish a task. Sometimes, certain factors come into play, like personal preferences or tastes. For instance, if you were assigned to do a group outing to build team rapport, and you prefer to head to a museum because you love the arts, but others have suggested a picnic at the park, then put it to a vote. This way, you and your team members come to a decision that’s fair to all.

    1. Be open to compromise.

    The skill to learn how to compromise with your peers can’t be developed overnight. However, if you open your mind to it, in due time, you’ll be a master at this. Remember, collaboration skills take practice, and they require a mindset of taking into consideration other people’s needs and working around them to meet your own needs as well.

    No matter what setting you’re in or how old you are, you’ll likely find yourself in a situation that requires you to put your conflict resolution skills in full gear. During these times, always take things in stride and remember that team effort overpowers individual effort.

     

    Sources

    MindTools. “Managing Conflict in Meetings.” https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_65.htm.

    Morreaux, Angelique de la. “How to Lead a Conflict-Resolution Meeting.” Chron. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/lead-conflictresolution-meeting-10665.html.

    Neely,  Joe. “10 Most Effective Conflict Resolution Tips for the Workplace.” Toggl. https://toggl.com/blog/conflict-resolution-tips.

  • Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    As the weather gets reliably warmer and the assignments begin to die down, you have probably realized that the school year is coming to a close. If you’re a post-secondary student, it’s likely your break is just around the corner; if you’re in high school, you’ve got just a couple of months to go. That in mind, start thinking about how you’re going to spend your time on vacation.

    It may seem great to have all that time on your hands, but it’s important to use it wisely. Being out of school for a few months can cause your brain to get a little lazy, which unfortunately means that the cramming you did for finals isn’t going to stick unless you keep at it. You worked hard for the better part of the year, so you definitely don’t want that knowledge to go to waste.

    Of course, there’s another side to summertime that doesn’t focus on academics. You can use the time to advance your goals, practice your hobbies or just explore. Think of how little free time you have during the school year: aren’t there so many things you wish you could have done? Capitalize on your summer vacation to cross some things off your bucket list.

    There are many ways you can make the most of your summer. Here are some suggestions.

    Summer employment is a good way to gain work experience, as well as make some money (which can be particularly important for those of you heading into post-secondary). A job can teach you responsibility, time management, and work ethic. If you’re looking for something humanitarian or more relevant to your career goals down the line, consider applying for an internship or volunteering for an organization you love.

    We all have something that makes us tick, and summertime can be a great opportunity to practice your hobbies (or develop new ones). If you’re looking for a challenge, try something new—you have a few months to take a class or follow a self-coaching program in an activity you’ll enjoy.

    If you have the opportunity, travelling, exchanging, or a road trip with some friends is a great way to explore (and take advantage of the lovely weather). If travel is not financially or logistically feasible for you, take some time to explore where you live. There’s sure to be a unique restaurant you’ve never eaten at or a fun event you’ve never checked out.

    Think about setting goals for the coming year, and take the opportunity to get a head start. School may seem ages away at the start of the summer, but free time (regrettably) goes fast. If you think ahead, you’ll be at a great advantage once the new semester begins.

    And finally, don’t forget to relax. School’s out, you worked very hard, and you deserve some time just for you. Take a break and live your summer on your own terms—you’ve earned it.

  • Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    If you’re a student (and especially if you’re going through midterms or summatives), you’re likely looking forward to the break the warmer months will bring. However, summer vacation is also a great opportunity for work experience – not only to make some money, but also to gain valuable connections and references for future employment. If you’re interested in both of those things, spots fill up fast, so it’s never too early to start your summer job hunt.

    Here’s a step-by-step process on how to find a summer job.

    1) Figure out what you want.

    What kind of position are you looking for? Moreover, what kind of position are you eligible for? Consider both your past qualifications and what field you’d potentially like to get into. It might be difficult to get a summer job that’s directly related to your career goals, but if you do find one, it’s one more thing to put on your resume. (For example, if you’re thinking about a career in medicine, it might be a good idea to check out receptionist or data entry positions at a clinic.)

    2) Revisit your resume.

    If you’ve been busy with schoolwork, it may have been a while since you dug up that old resume, so make sure all of your qualifications are up to date. If you’re planning on applying to multiple jobs (which is what you should be doing!), you should create different versions depending on the position you’re looking for. Cover letters are usually helpful, but not all employers require them; check that out on a case-by-case basis.

    3) Do your research.

    Keeping in mind Step 1 (what you want) and Step 2 (what you have to offer), check out the jobs that would be realistically available to you. If you don’t have a lot of experience, you may not be able to aim too high, but it never hurts to ask whether there are positions available for less experienced candidates (or, specifically, for students). Some good resources for job hunting are Talentegg, Workopolis, Service Canada or even Kijiji, as long as you do a background check on the employer.

    4) Apply en masse.

    Unfortunately, not every employer you contact will call you back (wouldn’t that be nice!). Don’t be afraid to apply for too many positions—in fact, apply to as many things as you can or as you are eligible for. This is going to take a lot of work, but put effort into writing emails, tweaking your resume, and following up for various positions. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t get the job. Don’t get discouraged: you just have to keep at it until you’re rewarded.

    5) Land an interview.

    With hard work and a little bit of luck, you’ll hopefully be called in for an interview. Be your charming, professional, and qualified self, and you’ll have a summer job in no time. Best of luck!

  • Grieving the Loss of a Family Member/Loved One: How to Cope, and How to Incorporate Their Memory into What You Do Going Forward (French version available)

    Grieving the Loss of a Family Member/Loved One: How to Cope, and How to Incorporate Their Memory into What You Do Going Forward (French version available)

    Without a doubt, losing a family member/loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can endure. Life will never be the same without them and the grief you feel right now may seem overwhelming.

    If this is what you’re going through, here is some advice on how to cope and incorporate their memory into what you do going forward:

    Spend Time With Those Who Support You And Take Time For Yourself

    Though everyone deals with this type of loss differently, it would be best to spend time with others you can depend on for emotional support, as well as take time for yourself. Temporarily stepping back from certain activities is also encouraged, especially for those who have busy schedules involving extracurriculars.

    What’s Most Important Is Actually Allowing Yourself To Process Your Loss

    Facing grief is challenging and it’s understandable if you’re afraid to do so. Nonetheless, it’s still crucial that you truly allow yourself to process this loss. Often times, some find it easier to throw themselves into their work or find other means of staying distracted in an attempt to avoid these emotions, which can be harmful. Another similar strategy that’s also unhealthy is keeping your feelings bottled up inside. It’s absolutely fine if you enjoy staying busy, but if you’re doing so because you’re avoiding the process altogether, there will be a good chance of your negative emotions pouring out when you least expect them to.

    Obviously, dealing with a situation like this takes time, so be patient with yourself.

    How To Incorporate Their Memory Into What You Do Going Forward…

    …In School

    Writing about the person and/your experience with them can be incredibly therapeutic. For those who are in their later high school years, many English teachers assign students prompts/compositions that allow for this kind of freedom. They also tend to appreciate the amount of thought and emotion put into these assignments.

    …In Your Personal Life

    Of course, you could also write essays or stories about them in your personal life. It would be beneficial for future generations, and if they’re curious about this person and would like to know more, they could always refer to these documents.

    Another option is photos. Do you have any pictures of this loved one that could be organized in a photo album? Would you consider creating a collage or scrapbook with some of these pictures so you can document their memorable/joyful moments? This is a great way to celebrate them and provide yourself with time to reminisce, especially if you played a part in the moments you’d like to highlight.

    …In Other Work

    Another potential endeavour could be starting a club or holding a fundraiser for a cause that your loved one was passionate about. There might be something you could coordinate with those you know, e.g. friends, co-workers, family members, etc.

    Overall, acknowledge what you’re feeling and trust that you’ll be OK. If you take the advice above, you’ll more than likely cope as best as you can and successfully incorporate your loved one’s memory into all the main areas of your life.

  • Energy-Boosting Foods Every Student Must Know

    Energy-Boosting Foods Every Student Must Know

    Being a student can take its toll on anyone. All the late nights studying for exams, all the stress in dealing with pop quizzes, and all the pressure to maintain good grades are no easy feat. It’s only normal to feel run-down by the third class of the day if you have a lot on your plate.

    The secret may just be in these energy-boosting foods. Take a look:

    Bananas

    Bananas are so common in our daily life that they seem to be an unlikely suspect when it comes to foods for energy. However, it turns out that they might be one of the best options if you need some battery recharging. For one, they are an excellent source for carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which can enhance your energy levels.

    Brown Rice

    If you like rice meals, it’s ideal to go for the brown option rather than the white one. For one, brown rice is a healthier alternative as it’s less processed than white rice, which means it sustains more of its nutritional values. One cup of brown rice contains 3.5 grams of fibre and can give you the 88% required manganese, which is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates and proteins for energy. In addition, rely on brown rice to maintain your sugar levels so that you can avoid a “sugar crash.”

    Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potatoes may not be as popular as their potato counterpart, but they offer far more in nutritional benefits. For one, they contain fibre as well as vitamin A, which can help boost energy levels. More and more food shops are recognizing these benefits, so that’s good news for you. This means that instead of having unhealthy French fries, you can have sweet potato fries as an alternative.

    Apples

    We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and to some extent, it really is true. Apples are a good source of carbohydrates and fibres, as well as natural sugars, all of which can provide a more reliable energy release.

    Dark Chocolate

    If you have a sweet tooth, avoiding chocolate can be torture. It’s okay to indulge in chocolates once in a while, but if you must do it often, go for the healthier version, which is dark chocolate. These have a higher cocoa content than regular or milk chocolate and therefore offer more benefits. The cocoa aids in increasing blood flow and promotes antioxidants, which in turn reduce mental fatigue and even boost moods.

    Avocados

    Avocados are considered to be the Superman of all the fruits because it seems to have all the significant health benefits that we all need – no other fruit can match up to what they can offer. For one, they are rich in healthy fats, which enhance optimal blood fat levels and promote absorption of nutrients. Another thing that makes them super is that they’re rich in fiber which means they can help sustain your energy levels.

    Nuts

    Nuts have always been thought of as a go-to food when you have hunger pangs, something to fill your tummy, but nothing sweet like a chocolate bar or salty like potato chips. Reach for nuts all you want because they offer great benefits for your health. They are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can raise energy levels. Your best options are almonds, walnuts, and cashews.

    When you have a lot to juggle, it’s normal to feel energy deep from time to time. Good thing you can get an energy spike with the above-mentioned foods! Go ahead and indulge yourself.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.businessinsider.com/10-foods-to-boost-energy-2013-9

    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/energy-boosting-foods

    https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/eating-to-boost-energy

  • It’s A Job Hunt Life: How To Stay Positive and Productive During the Job Search (French version available)

    It’s A Job Hunt Life: How To Stay Positive and Productive During the Job Search (French version available)

    Job searching can be exhausting, especially if you’ve never done it before. It can be tedious to scroll through job listings, tinker with your resume, and fill out application forms – only to never hear back from the hiring manager. Everyone has felt discouraged, anxious, or frustrated with the process at some point, but there are steps you can take to ensure that your experience is productive and positive. Use this article as a guide to a more active, results-oriented job search that will help you expand your professional network, secure more interviews, and feel more confident as a job candidate.

    Create a Professional Online Presence

    Many teenagers use social media to chat with friends and share pictures, stories, and personal updates. But did you know that 70 percent of hiring managers use social media to screen job applicants? That means that for every ten companies you apply to, 7 of them will review your social media and assess whether you’re right for the role based on what you post.

    During your job search, spend some time cleaning up your social media profiles. Imagine yourself sitting in a job interview with a hiring manager scrolling through your Instagram, TikTok or Twitter accounts. What would they think about you? How would you explain the decision-making that went into each post? Be sure to use professional profile pictures and avoid potentially offensive language. And remember that once something is on the internet, it’s out in the world forever.

    You may also want to create a LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is a professional platform that can help you meet people in a field or academic program of interest, review personalized job listings, and highlight your skills to potential employers. Include a link to your profile on your resume and cover letter to allow hiring managers to find you more quickly. Use the platform to connect with people you know and send personalized requests to people you want to know. You never know who could present you with a great job lead.

    Build Your Resume

    The more experience you have, the easier it is to land your dream job. This situation can seem frustratingly paradoxical; it’s like you need to have a job already, just to get a better one. But paid work isn’t the only way to build your resume. Volunteer work, extra-curricular activities, unpaid internships, and training courses can help you stand out from other job seekers. In addition, you can use volunteer opportunities to experiment with different industries, fields, and job roles before fully committing to paid work.

    In short, whether you’re in high school or just starting university, it’s a good idea to get involved by joining clubs, participating in school events, and volunteering on campus.

    Start Networking

    Only 20 percent of jobs are advertised through official job listings. The remaining 80 percent are promoted by word-of-mouth within personal and professional networks. If you want to expand your job search opportunities, you need to build your network.

    As previously mentioned, social media and LinkedIn can be invaluable networking tools. You can use status updates to show that you’re actively looking for work and apply directly to companies and hiring departments from your phone or computer. In addition, you can reach out to previous employers or volunteer supervisors to ask for a reference.

    The concept of networking may seem intimidating, but it’s just a matter of talking to people. Who do you know? What do they do for a living? What resources can they provide? Let people know that you’re looking for work and ask whether they have any advice for you. You’d be surprised at how willing people are to share insights, give recommendations, and facilitate meetings with other professional contacts. Show interest in their careers, and they’ll likely return the favour by helping you out.

    It’s a Long-Term Process

    Although job searching can be stressful, it’s a skill that will serve you throughout your life. Finding the right opportunity – that is, one that meets your goals, matches your skillset, and brings you happiness – is often a long journey. But these steps can help you feel confident and productive while you figure things out. To recap:

    • Present yourself as someone that you would want to hire.
    • Get involved and learn new things.
    • Talk to people, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

     

    References

    Demers, J. 10 Things You Should Do While You’re Looking for Work. Inc. https://www.inc.com/jayson-demers/10-things-you-should-do-while-you-re-looking-for-work.html.

    Faires, L. Do Potential Employers Look at Your Social Media Accounts Before Hiring? Liberty Staffing Services. https://www.libertystaffing.ca/blog/do-potential-employers-look-at-your-social-media-accounts-before-hiring#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20recent%20study,job%20candidates%20before%20hiring%20them.

  • The Dangers of Always Being on Social Media and How to Beat the Addiction (French version available)

    The Dangers of Always Being on Social Media and How to Beat the Addiction (French version available)

    There’s no doubt that social media is addictive. From seeing what friends or celebrities/influencers are doing to watching the “likes” increase on your latest post, these without a doubt can be enjoyable pastimes. Generally speaking, checking social media isn’t necessarily unhealthy (depending on everyone’s individual situation), as many use it for multiple purposes that could be beneficial, e.g. keeping in touch with loved ones living far away. However, it’s still important that you’re aware of its other implications.

    Consider the following questions: Have you ever found yourself continuously scrolling through your social media feed(s) without realizing hours have passed? Throughout the day, do you constantly have the urge to reach for your device and see if anything new has been posted?

    If you’re concerned about the dangers of excessive social media usage, here’s some information about them and ways you can beat the addiction:

    What Are The Dangers?

    It Could Negatively Impact Your Mental Health

    One of the most glaring issues surrounding this topic is how it can affect people’s mental health. Oftentimes, seeing others putting their best moments on social media may spark feelings of insecurity and the need to compare their lives to our own. But also, seeing the negative posted as well as the positive could seriously dampen a person’s mood, especially if they’re consuming it on a regular basis.

    Although many networking sites, such as Facebook, have put some measures in place to hinder anyone from publishing harmful content online, they aren’t perfect and can’t remove every single post nor closely monitor an organization’s or individual’s activity all the time. Plus, the fact that these platforms make it so simple to do so doesn’t help. This situation essentially shows that it’s inevitable for users to be exposed to negativity.

    Many Attribute Sleep Deprivation to Using Social Media

    The depressing thoughts we have could follow us into the night, likely disrupting our sleeping habits and leading to a lack of crucial energy.

    Overall, checking mobile devices just before going to sleep is not a healthy routine either. It’s not just how much time is spent on social media, but also at what time of day you consume the content. Think of the circumstances this way: Why are we stimulating our minds during these hours when we should be relaxing and winding down to get some rest? Everyone needs sleep in order to function properly throughout the day.

    How Does One Beat the Addiction?

    Take a Good Look at Your Social Media Consumption Habits

    The initial step to solving any issue is acknowledging the issue. Social media has become such a normal part of our day-to-day existence that sometimes, there doesn’t appear to be anything inherently wrong. This is where exercising awareness comes into play. We must hold ourselves accountable and ensure social media won’t permeate our lives in a way that diminishes the quality of how we engage with everyday activities or interactions that occur offline.

    Keep Track of the Time You Spend on It

    Going on social media via their apps is extremely popular as it is the most convenient method of access. There are plenty of apps available for downloading that can track how long you spend on social media. Each app will have its own helpful features. Try different ones and see which works best for you.

    You Could Delete Your Social Media Apps from Your Device(s)

    Temporarily deleting the apps from your phone, tablet, etc. is a good option to prevent the temptation of checking, as you’ll know the apps won’t be there.

    In Extreme Cases, Deleting Your Account(s) Might Be the Best Option

    In cases where the suggestions stated above don’t work, deleting some of your accounts might even be the best way to beat the addiction. Think of it as starting fresh. Removing social media from your life could give you the push you need to effectively address the addiction.

     

    References

    health essentials. “Put the Phone Away! 3 Reasons Why Looking At It Before Bed Is A Bad Habit.” 3 Reasons Screen Time Before Bed is Harmful – Cleveland Clinic.

    Schimmele, Christopher, et al. “Canadians’ assessments of social media in their lives.” Canadians’ assessments of social media in their lives (statcan.gc.ca).