Replacing 30 minutes of social media use per day with physical activity can enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress, German researchers say.
The benefits of exercise lingered as much as 6 months after the end of their study.
Participants who cut back on social media and exercised more experienced greater happiness and less stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reduced social media use also correlated with less tobacco consumption.

Social media use exploded with COVID-19’s lockdowns and contact restrictions. Millions turned to Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and other platforms to escape feelings of isolation, anxiety, and hopelessness.

However, excessive screen time has led to addictive behaviors, stronger emotional attachment to social media, and deeper mental anguish for many people.