I’m an Author & Somatic Movement Educator helping clients going through chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and trauma to "rewire their brain" for better emotional health through movement.
Online Courses:
The Soothe Group Programme: Self-paced sessions and live check-ins for a powerful 12 weeks. Starts April 25th, early bird price ends on 19th April. Request more info
The Soothe Book Club: Deep dive into Nahid's book "Soothe" with monthly online discussions over 3 months. Learn to manage daily stress and navigate challenges in real-time. Join the club!
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In today's hyper-connected world, social media and rolling news feeds are constant companions. Over the years, I have had to get stricter about how much time I spend scrolling on my phone, checking for news. There have been three distinct times over the years when I my phone use got out of hand. The riots in London that were springing up all over the capital, during Covid and also right now. I don’t trust the mainstream news, my time is spent searching for trusted sources of info from journalists on the ground. But what impact do these endless streams of content have on our brains? Research suggests they may be rewiring our brains in ways that aren't always positive.
Social Media: A Dopamine Deluge
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. Every like, comment, and share triggers a dopamine release in the brain's reward system, creating a pleasurable feeling that keeps us coming back for more. This can lead to compulsive checking behaviour, making it difficult to focus on other tasks requiring sustained attention.
Attention Deficit and the Memory Maze
The constant barrage of short-form content on social media – tweets, posts, stories – may be shrinking our attention spans. Studies suggest that heavy social media use can make it harder to concentrate and filter out distractions. Additionally, the rapid-fire nature of social media may hinder our ability to retain information effectively.
The Comparison Trap and Its Toll
Social media feeds are often carefully curated highlight reels, showcasing the best vacations, relationships, and achievements of others. Exposure to these unrealistic portrayals can lead to social comparison, fuelling feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Rolling News: A Stressful Symphony
The 24/7 news cycle can be a constant source of stress and anxiety. The negativity bias inherent in news reporting, where bad news gets more attention, bombards us with a steady stream of negativity and urgency. This can elevate cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, leading to feelings of anxiety and unease.
Confirmation Bias: An Echo Chamber for the Mind
Social media and news algorithms often personalize content based on our past behaviour and viewing history. This creates echo chambers where we are primarily exposed to information that confirms our existing beliefs, hindering critical thinking and limiting our understanding of diverse perspectives.
Sleepless in Seattle (and Everywhere Else)
The blue light emitted from our devices disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, the stimulating nature of the content on social media and rolling news can further disrupt sleep patterns, leaving us feeling tired and foggy the next day.
Taking Back Control: Strategies for a Healthier Brain
The good news is that you are not powerless against the negative impacts of social media and rolling news. Here are some strategies to protect your brain health:
Be mindful: Track your social media usage and set time limits to avoid compulsive checking.
Curate your feeds: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad and follow those that inspire and inform you.
Choose high-quality news sources: Seek out diverse perspectives and limit exposure to negativity. I tune into
Prioritise sleep: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.
Go analogue: Disconnect regularly and engage in activities that don't involve screens.
By making conscious choices about your media consumption, you can minimise the negative effects and leverage the positive aspects of social media and rolling news. Remember, a healthy brain thrives on a balanced media diet.
The Soothe Retreats 24/25
NEW Soothe Day Retreat in a new central London venue on 18th May - hurry, the spaces sell out fast. Book now
The Soothe September Retreat in Kent is now taking bookings.
The Soothe Week in Lefkada next year in 2025 - is now taking bookings.
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Thank you for reading,
Stay human,
Nahid x