Most people wouldn’t mind going viral online. It has some perks – you start being recognized on the streets of big cities, you get to meet some truly interesting people, enjoy new experiences, it all seems very nice.
The thing is, while internet fame may seem appealing, it’s very easy for your new “celebrity status” to turn your life upside down, and this can have some negative effects, especially on your mental health.
So, whether your new lifestyle blog took off overnight, or your prank video just got millions of views, it’s a good idea to take a moment to look after your well-being. Let’s see how you can do that.
Look After Your Physical Health
There’s no question about whether there’s a link between mental and physical health because of course there is. The worse you feel mentally, the worse you’ll feel physically, and vice versa. So, if you want to take care of your mental health, you have to start from your physical well-being.
There are two most common things you can do to improve your physical well-being:
- Exercise
- Have a good diet
Put very simply – exercising makes your brain release the “feel-good” chemicals. You’ll have more confidence, you’ll find it easier to concentrate, and your overall self-esteem will improve.
Having a good diet doesn’t mean going on a diet or doing a juice cleanse. It means eating a wide variety of foods and providing your body with all the essential nutrients. For your brain to stay healthy and function well, it requires good nutrition.
Communicate Openly with Those Around You
Going viral can cause a great deal of stress. You might feel conflicted and isolated, and it can eat away at you. To prevent this from happening, you’ll have to talk to someone.
Sharing your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness – quite the contrary, it’s a sign of strength. It isn’t easy to talk about how you feel with others, but you’ll quickly notice how freeing it is.
What’s interesting about open communication about your feelings is that you probably won’t actually need any advice. It’s the simple act of having someone listen to you that can have a great effect on relieving your stress.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to face problems and difficulties with a pack of close friends and family to support you. You don’t need to have a weekly sit down with them so you can all talk about your feelings and issues – you can just hang out.
Being around others can make you forget about your problems (at least temporarily). You’ll find yourself feeling much better when you get to just chill with those around you. Your family and friends will help you stay grounded, and they’ll keep you active.
However, if you feel that someone is draining your energy and harming your mental health, you have to allow yourself to take a step back from them.
Be Sensible When You’re Drinking
Honestly, alcohol can be pretty fun. It can help you relax, open up, become more communicative… it’s no wonder it’s called the “social lubricant”.
The problem is that a night of heavy drinking is usually followed up by a day of regret and mental anguish. The so-called beer fear can put you in a really bad mental state.
You can experience strong feelings of anxiety, and when you combine them with the actual physical hangover, it’s not really a great combo.
It’s completely fine to drink, and it’s usually enjoyable, only as long as it’s done in moderation.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Night’s Sleep
Let’s get one thing clear – sleep isn’t a magical solution for all of your life’s problems. It’s not going to solve your anxiety issues, nor fix your bad relationship.
However, if you’re sleep-deprived, your problems will seem much bigger than they are. You won’t have the physical nor the mental energy to deal with daily struggles, and every tiny issue will appear unsolvable.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, some minor life changes might help you.
Take a Break If You’re Feeling Stressed
So, you went viral. You probably want your newfound internet fame to last. Even if you don’t, it’s sometimes really difficult to get away from the spotlight.
You might feel under a great deal of pressure. Influencers might be asking you for collabs, your followers might be demanding more content – it’s a lot to handle.
Which is why it’s completely fine, if not absolutely necessary, to allow yourself to take a break from it all.
Go on a vacation, turn off your phone, and give your mind a rest. When you come back, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to get back to business, and your brain will be thanking you.
Focus on Other Creative Things
What did you enjoy doing before you went viral? Did you have any hobbies you were good at? Going back to them can give you peace of mind.
Finding a creative, enjoyable hobby can do wonders for your mental health. You’ll allow yourself to take a step back from your new chaotic life, and you can be you.
Whether it’s sketching, gardening, doing crosswords, or anything in between, having a hobby you find interesting will boost your self-esteem and improve your overall wellbeing.
Ask for Help If You Need It
If you’re finding it difficult to deal with your newfound fame even after following these tips, it’s probably a good idea to ask someone for help.
Just like you’d send your car to a mechanic if it’s having issues, or you’d go to a doctor if you have a high fever, you should go to a therapist if you feel your mental health is suffering.
You can benefit greatly from therapy, and it’s not only going to help you deal with individual problems, but you’ll learn how to handle anything that comes your way.
The Bottom Line
Going viral can be truly life-changing. Whether it’s just one internet post that everyone’s talking about, or you’ve started a whole YouTube career, you’ll notice things aren’t as they used to be. To deal with the changes, you need to look after your mental health. The tips we’ve covered should keep you on the right path.