The use of social media is becoming increasingly popular with the rapid expansion of technology. Throughout the day, we’re constantly checking our phone, visiting social media sites and connecting with others in some way, shape or form. In fact, the majority of Americans (73 percent) go online on a daily basis.
While online activity such as social media has been cited for promoting more sedentary behavior, it has also been credited with the ability to help us improve our health and health behaviors. And, if you’re on the journey with weight and health, the resources that social media provides can be of great benefit! Here’s how:
Social Media: Resources for Your Health and Wellness
Social media is a great way for users to stay connected, discover new resources for their journey and gain knowledge about themselves and other people. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular sites and how they can help you reach your goals!
- Facebook – One of the most popular forums for social networking, Facebook gives users the ability to build their own “timeline” with pictures, updates and more. You can also share content with other users — be it privately with your friends or publicly for the entire world. One of its most notable features, however, are Facebook “groups” which allow for more intimate and focused peer-to-peer support between like-minded people. By staying connected with others in groups, you can receive guidance, support and even valuable advice.
Twitter – Twitter lets you post updates in
140 characters or less, and is distinguished by its use of the “hashtag” – a word or phrase followed by a hash or pound sign (#) that is used to identify messages on a specific topic. By searching for particular hashtags and trending conversations, you can finds topics that interest you. Example hashtags related to weight and health include: #fitness, #weightloss, #nutrition, #exercise and #motivation.- Pinterest – This visual bookmarking site allows you to create and search for “boards” that feature “pins” – pictures, ideas, etc. that you find interesting. Some of the
most popular boards for the journey with weight and health include recipes, health tips, ideas for exercise routines or workouts, sample menus and inspirational words/pictures. - Instagram – Instagram is very similar to Twitter with its use of the “hashtag.” This social media platform allows you to view and post your own pictures or videos with captions that may or may not include hashtags. If you’re looking for content related to a certain topic, you can simply search that particular hashtag and find what you are looking for.
- Youtube – Youtube is the largest video-sharing site which allows you to watch videos relating to almost any topic you can think of. It’s a great tool if you’re looking to learn how to perform a certain work out, or if you want to know exactly how to follow through a recipe.
Want More Information about Social Media and Other Online Tools for Your Journey?
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