02/11/2026

The phrase “nothing is set in stone” means that decisions, plans, or agreements are not final and can be changed or altered.

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…Scrolling ourselves tired: How social media is affecting our health. 

• Wende Jones
• Feb 6, 2026

Most of us don’t remember the last time we stood in line without checking our phones. Or sat through a commercial break. Or even waited at a stoplight without glancing down “just for a second.”

Somewhere along the way, scrolling became something we do automatically — without thinking, without intention and often without realizing how much it’s affecting us.

Social media isn’t inherently bad. It connects us, informs us, entertains us and sometimes even inspires us. But like anything else, when it slips from a tool into a habit we don’t control, it starts to quietly impact our health.

One of the biggest effects I see is mental fatigue. Our brains were never designed to process hundreds of images, opinions, headlines and emotional cues in a few minutes. Scrolling can leave us feeling overstimulated yet oddly unfulfilled — wired but exhausted. Many people mistake this for stress or burnout, when in reality it’s mental overload.

Sleep is another big casualty. Late-night scrolling keeps the brain alert when it should be winding down, and the blue light from screens interferes with melatonin production. Even 10 extra minutes can turn into an hour, and suddenly we’re short on rest without fully knowing why we feel so tired the next day.

Then there’s comparison. Social media tends to show highlight reels — filtered moments, curated success, carefully framed lives. Over time, this can quietly chip away at self-esteem, create unnecessary pressure and fuel anxiety or feelings of “not enough,” even when things in our real lives are going just fine.

The good news? We don’t have to quit social media to protect our health. We just need to use it more intentionally.

One simple place to start is creating small boundaries. Try designating phone-free times during the day — first thing in the morning, during meals or the hour before bed. These small pauses give your nervous system a chance to settle and reset.

Another helpful step is auditing who and what you follow. If an account consistently makes you feel stressed, inadequate or irritated, it may not deserve space in your daily mental diet. Just like food, what we consume mentally matters.

It can also be powerful to replace scrolling with something grounding. A short walk, a few deep breaths, stretching, journaling or simply stepping outside can do wonders for calming the nervous system. Even five minutes of intentional movement or stillness can shift your energy.

Lastly, pay attention to how you feel after being on your phone. Energized? Inspired? Drained? Awareness alone often leads to healthier choices without forcing change.

Technology isn’t going anywhere, and social media will continue to be part of our lives. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s balance. When we use social media consciously instead of compulsively, we reclaim time, mental clarity and a sense of presence that benefits both our physical and emotional well-being.

Sometimes the most powerful wellness move isn’t adding something new to our routine — it’s simply putting the phone down and fully living the life in front of us.

Wende Jones is the founder and owner of Phoenix Wellness Center in Kerrville. She can be reached at info@phoenixwellnesscenter.net.

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kommonsentsjane