Like millions of TikTok users, Jonas got glued to the app. At one point, he was breaking his timer locks just to get back on it. To preserve his mental well-being and free up time, he deleted the app and other social platforms. "I actually don't have social media on my phone anymore," Jonas tells me in an interview. "I want to be present and be here." In lieu of scrolling, Joe now uses his time to enjoy the cities he's visiting, catch up on Netflix shows, or pursue landscape photography. "[With] TikTok, everybody's chasing the next trend. And I find myself being like, Oh, this is gonna be so funny and everyone's gonna love this... I think you've just got to be authentic to yourself and do what makes you happy."
"[With] TikTok, everybody's chasing the next trend. And I find myself being like, Oh, this is gonna be so funny and everyone's gonna love this... I think you've just got to be authentic to yourself and do what makes you happy."
In addition to limiting social media, Jonas likes to take care of himself by sticking to a morning routine. "I meditate first thing in the morning on Headspace. I know the meditations do me justice, but I do like watching that clock on how many days in a row I've done the meditation," he says. Afterward, he writes a gratitude list and shares it in a group chat with a few of his friends, which keeps him accountable. Lastly, he'll open up Duolingo for some Italian lessons. "Slowly but surely, I'm trying to learn Italian so I can go there [Italy] and order my own food," says Jonas. Having a routine helps him stay present, grounded, and aware of his space, he says.
With all that's going on in the world and on social media, it can be difficult to carve out time for our mental health, but Jonas reminds us to take time to just be where our feet are planted. "I know that sounds pretty funny, but I think you're always thinking about the next trip, and I'm like, Here we are in this beautiful city [referring to New York]. You can walk down the street, there's so many different people and energy—why not just enjoy it, look up from my phone, and be aware of my surroundings," says Jonas. "[Being present has] made me a little bit more appreciative for what I have."
Loading More Posts...