What is forest bathing? Perhaps it is a bath in a forest, literally? As amazing and interesting as that sounds, forest bathing is indeed different, but in amazing and interesting way, too. Forest bathing is the holistic experience of simply being in the forest. The activity and health practice was developed in Japan during the (more…)
Brain health and wellness goes hand in hand with mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are just a few of the facts about mental health: Studies have shown that people with traumatic brain injuries are four times more likely to have mental health challenges. Here are just a few links to start (more…)
You might be asking yourself “how can a virtual world enhance your first life?” and “What is a first life anyway?” Let me start by saying that my experiences in the virtual world of Second Life are as real as in physical spaces such as with friends in my living room, cooking in my kitchen, (more…)
Social media means lots of things to lots of people.
Here’s a list of just some of the key elements of why people use social media:
- To keep in touch with family and friends.
- To connect with others.
- To have conversations.
- To find information and resources.
- To promote businesses, products and services (if applicable to them).
Needless to say, social media is important and is deeply ingrained in our community and cultural landscapes.
For those of us in the brain injury community, whether we’re survivors or caregivers, social media can serve an even more vital purpose. Not only can it serve us well in the six items noted above, it can be a terrific and helpful way to connect to other brain injury community members across the world. For some of us, social media offers hope, community, and even a lifeline.
So, social media is pretty perfect, yes?
Unfortunately, no. In fact, it’s far from it.
While social media can bring out the best in people, it can also bring out the worst.
Arguments. Ugly and/or uncomfortable posts and tweets. Negativity.
So, what does a social media user do to balance the good and the not-so-good things that come with social media use?
We’ve broken down some helpful tips and strategies to help you manage social media successfully, safely and positively. We have even provided personal tips from a social media expert at the end of this article.
Let’s get started.