We have more access to more information and media content than any other generation in human history. Sometimes this access is helpful. It helps us cure cancer, operate more efficiently and stay in touch with family and friends all over the planet.

Other times, the sheer amount of information at our fingertips can be more of a hindrance. We spend hours procrastinating on Facebook or Snapchat. We gorge on entire seasons of sitcoms on Netflix.

Increasingly, one of the areas where the technology revolution appears to be more of a hindrance than a help is when it comes to self-care.

With self-care, technology is kind of like food. Some of it can be really healthy, but a lot of it isn’t. And most of it is best enjoyed in moderation. In other words, there’s often a difference between self-care and zoning (or numbing) out.

For example, I love seeing pictures of my niece on Facebook. It helps me feel connected to a part of my family that I don’t get to see very often. Other times, I find myself frustrated (and a bit puzzled) when I realize I’ve just spent the last hour scrolling through my Facebook feed when I was originally just looking for a friend’s email address. I feel numb and I can’t quite remember why I even logged on in the first place.

Zoning out isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is a great way to relax after a long day. However, it is important to recognize that zoning out is not the same thing as self-care. One of the things we mentioned in our last post on self-care was to ask yourself, “What are the things that leave me energized?”

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, zoning out for an evening will rarely help. Self-care, on the other hand, can leave you feeling better – even if the activity itself is more physically tiring (like going for a walk or playing with your kids).

How do you feel after watching an entire season of Friends in one sitting? After spending two hours on Facebook? If they leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to take on tomorrow – great! Set aside some time for some much needed relaxation with Ross and Phoebe.

If, however, you find yourself feeling guilty, anxious or numb after spending an hour catching up on your Facebook (or Instagram or Snapchat) feed – maybe its time to put down the iPhone and find a more effective way to take care of yourself. Maybe its time to recognize the difference between self-care and zoning out, and find something that energizes you.

Eric McClerren, MA CIT
emcclerren @ growcounseling.com