Why Lisa Ling limits her kidsâ social media use, funky pickleball sets, and bird song for mental health. [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( IN a nutshell
Happy Friday, Wellness Wire fam! How are we all feeling today?
Too much social media use can bring people down, so I hope you have solid boundaries in place to help keep your mental health in check. Thatâs what weâre chatting about with acclaimed journalist and TV personality [Lisa Ling]( today.
After our Q&A with Lisa, weâll be covering other topics like: • [Stylish and sporty pickleball bundle sets]( • [Bird song can boost your mental health]( • [How to chill out with box breathing]( • [11 super healthy probiotic foods](
Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota
July 14, 2023 ⢠5 min read
[Lisa Ling]( has covered impactful national and international news for more than 20 years. Now, sheâs on a mission to protect children by speaking out about the negative effects of social media use. Read some of our favorite clips from our chat with Ling below.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What inspired you to start reporting on youth mental health and social media use?
A: For me, the issue of [youth mental health]( has become one of my biggest priorities. In particular, I have tremendous concern about the impact that technology is having on our kidsâ brains and behavioral health.
Iâll be honest, 10 years ago when my little girl was a baby, I didnât know any better so Iâd constantly give her a device to placate her. Whenever she was fussy or temperamental, Iâd give her my phone and I knew instantly that that would calm her down. I could see the behavioral changes whenever Iâd try to take it away from her. There was nothing that compared. Sheâd rather forgo playing or interacting with other kids to have a device in her hand.
For most human beings, [middle school]( [is] perhaps [when weâre] the most vulnerable. Weâre bombarded by feelings that we have difficulty identifying, and now add to that these devices [â¦] and how much control these algorithms have over our minds [...] itâs just become such an important issue for me to speak out on. Q: How has implementing digital boundaries with your kids worked out?
A: I try hard, but itâs a daily struggle. Even if I donât allow them to use [their devices], theyâre trying to get mine. Sadly, kids donât know how to be bored anymore. They feel like they need to fill every second.
[Iâm] just trying to delay the inevitable because Iâm certain that kids are going to become as [addicted]( as adults have become. But in this crucial stage of brain development, I want to try and protect them as long as I can. Q: Do you have any words of support or encouragement for parents looking to follow suit?
A: This isnât an attempt to shame anyone. Weâre all in this together. Iâm trying to sound the alarm to other parents so that they donât repeat the behavior that I employed when my kid was a baby.
To read more parenting content, check out our [Parenthood hub](. Donât forget to scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview! great finds
Editor faves with health perks [On Holiday Pickleball Two Paddle Set](
[On Holiday Pickleball Two Paddle Set](
ICYMI: [Pickleball]( is taking over the world. Itâs been gaining popularity in recent years as a fun, effective workout to play with friends and family. If youâre in the market for your very first pickleball set or you want to level up your OG gear, check out [On Holidayâs bundle deals.]( Each set comes with your choice of patterned paddles, pickleballs, and tour bag. I have my own custom set, and yes, theyâre as stylish and functional as they seem. [Shop now](
Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.
[Let the birds boost your mood]( Weird Science
[Let the birds boost your mood](
Old news: [Going outside]( is good for your mental health. New news: More specifically, [listening to birdsong]( can reduce stress and boost your mood. Birds for brains. A [2022 study]( found that listening to 6-minute clips of birds singing can relieve feelings of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. On the flip side, those who listened to traffic noises reported experiencing more [depressive symptoms](. How to peck into those perks. Of course, listening to birdsong while [going for a stroll]( is a double-whammy for mental and physical health. But you donât even need to leave your house to reap these benefits! Simply opening your windows or listening to a YouTube video can offer similar effects. Need an even easier place to start? [Become more mindful]( of the birds around you. Now excuse me while my cat and I enjoy the birds eating from our feeder ⦠More on the link between nature and well-being:
- [8 health benefits of spending time outdoors](
- [How nature benefits the body and mind](
- [Mental health perks of getting your kids outside]( health stories you need
What weâre reading next [] ð© [Box breathing for better mental health.]( 1-2-3-4. Learn what box breathing is and how to do it to help promote relaxation, lower blood pressure, and relieve symptoms of depression.
ð [Does tart cherry juice really help you sleep?]( Maybe! You can thank its melatonin and tryptophan content for that. Read this article to discover more potential health benefits, too.
𥬠[11 super healthy probiotic foods.]( Add these foods to your diet to potentially improve your digestive health, reduce depression, boost immunity, and more.
ð¤ [What is a shy girl workout?]( This TikTok trend is hyped up to help gym beginners overcome their fear and anxiety around exercising in front of others. Thanks for reading! I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Weâll see you again on Monday. Did you enjoy this interview? Until next time,
[healthline](
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