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Social media use has been linked to increased feelings of depression for some people. Research suggests that heavy use may trigger negative emotions or worsen existing symptoms, often due to unfavorable social comparison and exposure to negative news. Limiting time on these platforms may help improve your mood and overall well-being.

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Evidence That Social Media May Cause Depression

By some estimates, roughly 4 billion people use networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This usage has prompted mental health experts to investigate whether the enormous popularity of social media plays a role in depression.

Research suggests that people who limit their time on social media tend to be happier than those who don’t. Studies also indicate that social media may trigger an array of negative emotions in users that contribute to or worsen their depression symptoms.

• Social media has never been more popular, with more than half of the world’s population active on these networking sites that roll out nonstop news, much of it negative.
• A Lancet study published in 2018 found that people who check Facebook late at night were more likely to feel depressed and unhappy.
• Another 2018 study found that the less time people spend on social media, the fewer symptoms of depression and loneliness they felt.
• A 2015 study found that Facebook users who felt envy while on the networking site were more likely to develop symptoms of depression.

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory to call attention to the effects of social media on youth mental health. He notes that at crucial periods of adolescent brain development, social media use is predictive of decreases in life satisfaction, as well as additional concerns around body image, sleep issues, and much more.

What Clinical Depression Looks Like

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is a mood disorder characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities that an individual once enjoyed.

Depression can be mild or severe and make it difficult for those with the condition to concentrate, sleep or eat well, make decisions, or complete their normal routines.

People with depression may experience symptoms such as:

• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Anxiety
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue or headaches

Psychotherapy and medication are some of the treatments for depression. Limiting time on social media and prioritizing real-world connections can be beneficial to mental health.

Is Social Media Really to Blame?

Some studies about social media and mental health reveal that there’s a correlation between the sites and depression. Other research goes a step further, finding that social media may very well cause depression. The Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology published a landmark study exploring the connection in 2018.

This indicates a relationship between lower social media use and emotional well-being. According to the researchers, the study marked the first time scientific research established a causal link between these variables.

“Prior to this, all we could say was that there is an association between using social media and having poor outcomes with wellbeing,” said study coauthor Jordyn Young in a statement.

To establish the link between social media and depression, the researchers assigned 143 University of Pennsylvania students to two groups:

• Unlimited social media: One group could use social media without restrictions
• Limited social media: The second group had their social media access limited to just 30 minutes on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat combined over a three-week period

Each study participant used iPhones to access social media, and the researchers monitored their phone data to ensure compliance. The group with restricted social media access reported lower severity of depression and loneliness than they had at the beginning of the study.

Both groups reported a drop in anxiety and fear of missing out (aka FOMO), apparently because joining the study made even the group with unrestricted access to social media more cognizant of how much time they were spending on it.

Less Social Media, Less FOMO 

It’s not certain why participants who only spent 30 minutes daily on social media experienced less depression, but researchers suggest that these young people were spared from looking at content—such as a friend’s beach vacation, grad school acceptance letter, or happy family—that might make them feel bad about themselves.

Limiting social media use appears to reduce:

• Unfavorable comparisons: Seeing photos or posts of people with seemingly “perfect” lives can make social media users feel like they just don’t measure up. A 2015 University of Missouri study found that regular Facebook users were more likely to develop depression if they felt envy on the networking site.
• The sense of missing out: Social media can also give users a case of FOMO. For example, if they were invited on their friend’s beach vacation but couldn’t go for some reason, or if the friend didn’t ask them on the trip at all, users might feel hurt and left out to see that others in their social circle were. This can lead them to question their friendships or their own self-worth.
• Jealousy: Social media users who visit an ex’s social media page and see pictures of their former partner wining and dining a new love interest can also experience FOMO. They might wonder why their ex never took them to such fancy restaurants or lavished them with gifts.

Limiting one’s time on social media can mean less time spent comparing oneself to others. This can extend to not thinking badly of oneself and developing the symptoms that contribute to depression.

A New Form of Bullying

Prior to social media and the internet, children only had to worry about bullying on school grounds, for the most part. But social media has given bullies a new way to torment their victims.

With just one click, bullies can circulate a video of their target being ridiculed, beaten up, or otherwise humiliated. People can swarm a peer’s social media page, leaving negative comments or spreading misinformation. In some cases, victims of bullying have committed suicide.

Worsening matters is that the victims of bullies often fear that the bullying will increase if they speak to a parent, teacher, or administrator about their mistreatment. This can make a child feel even more isolated and go without the emotional support they need to handle a toxic and potentially volatile situation. 

Bad News and ‘Doomscrolling’ 

One in five Americans now get their news from social media—a larger proportion than those who get their news from traditional print media.

For heavy social media users, people who log in for multiple hours at a time or multiple times a day, this means frequent exposure to news, including bad news. Headlines related to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, political strife, and celebrity deaths frequently top lists of social media trends.

The habit of binging bad news on social media sites or elsewhere online is known as “doomscrolling,” and it can adversely affect one’s mental health, leading to the development or heightening of anxiety or depression symptoms. 

A 2018 Lancet Psychiatry study of 91,005 people found that those who logged onto Facebook before bedtime were 6% likelier to have major depressive disorder and rated their happiness level 9% lower than those with better sleep hygiene did.

Psychologists suggest that doomscrolling creates a cycle of negativity that can be hard to break. The human mind is naturally geared toward looking for threats. The more time we spend looking at bad news, the worse those dangers seem and the more anxious we become. Before long, the world appears to be an altogether gloomy place, making doomscrollers feel increasingly hopeless.

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How to Use Social Media Safely

Using social media comes with mental health risks, but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided entirely. Experts recommend using these networking websites in moderation.

Without these timers or apps, it’s easy to spend hours on social media before you know it. To limit your time on social media, you can also plan real-world activities that help you focus on your immediate surroundings and circumstances.

Make the time to enjoy life offline by pursuing activities like:

• Reading a book
• Watching a movie
• Going for a stroll
• Playing a game
• Baking some bread
• Having a phone conversation with a friend

Key Takeaways

• Research suggests that spending too much time on social media can increase negative emotions and feelings of depression for some people.
• Symptoms of depression to watch for include feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, headaches, fatigue, lack of motivation, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Limiting your time on social media may help reduce doomscrolling, FOMO, negative emotions, and feelings of depression.

Herd mentality, also known as mob mentality or crowd mentality, is a psychological phenomenon where people conform to the beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes of the majority in a group. This tendency can lead people to make decisions or engage in behaviors at the expense of their own judgment or individuality.

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Real-Life Examples of Herd Mentality

Herd mentality can be observed in historical and hypothetical situations, as well as various aspects of daily life, from fashion trends to investment decisions and even political affiliations.

Here are a few examples to illustrate its prevalence and impact:

• Stock market bubbles: Investors may follow the crowd in purchasing overvalued stocks, leading to financial bubbles and subsequent crashes. The dot-com bubble and the housing bubble are prominent examples of how herd mentality can lead to market instability and financial losses.
• Fashion trends: People often adopt popular clothing styles and brands influenced by the preferences of the majority. The rapid adoption and subsequent abandonment of trends can have significant environmental and economic impacts, such as increased waste and financial strain on individuals.
• Social media: The spread of viral content and the desire to follow popular accounts or engage with trending topics can be attributed to herd mentality. This phenomenon can create echo chambers, where people are exposed primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforcing existing biases.
• Political movements: It’s common for people to follow popular opinions and ideas, even when they don’t fully comprehend or support them. The rise of extremist political movements throughout history can be partially attributed to herd mentality, as people join in with the dominant group, often out of fear of being ostracized or persecuted. The rise of Nazi Germany is one such example.
• Panic buying: In times of crisis, people may hoard essential items out of fear, leading to shortages and further exacerbating the situation. The COVID-19 pandemic saw widespread panic buying of things like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and face masks, creating additional stress and challenges.

How to Recognize the Signs

To recognize herd mentality in ourselves and others, you can look for the following signs:

• Conformity: People may change their beliefs or behaviors to align with the majority, even if they previously held different opinions. This can manifest in various ways, from adopting popular views on social media to following the latest fashion trends.
• Fear of missing out (FOMO): The anxiety associated with being left behind or excluded from a popular trend or activity can drive people to conform. FOMO can lead to impulsive decision-making and constantly needing to stay updated on the latest news, trends, and events.
• Group polarization: As people interact within a group, they may adopt more extreme opinions, amplifying the group’s collective beliefs. This can result in escalation of conflicts, marginalization of minority viewpoints, and a potential for groupthink—a phenomenon where group members prioritize consensus over critical thinking and rational decision-making.
• Suppression of dissent: People may be discouraged from expressing contrary opinions or challenging the status quo, leading to a lack of diversity in thought and decision-making. In some cases, this suppression can result in silencing critical voices, creating an environment where potential problems or alternative perspectives are not adequately considered.

Why We Follow the Crowd, Even When We Shouldn’t

Herd mentality has several causes. At the top of this list is social influence. We are inherently social creatures and often look to others for guidance or validation, especially in uncertain situations. This can result in conformity.

As humans, our brains tend to take mental shortcuts that sometimes cause us to depend on the views and behaviors of others instead of thinking critically. An example of cognitive bias that contributes to herd mentality is confirmation bias, where you selectively seek out information that supports your existing beliefs.

When people observe the actions of others and assume they are based on accurate information, they may follow suit, creating a domino effect. This can lead to the rapid spread of beliefs or behaviors throughout a group, even if the initial information is incorrect or misleading.

Is Herd Mentality Always a Bad Thing?

In certain circumstances, herd mentality can have positive effects:

• When knowledge is limited: In situations where people have limited information or expertise, following the majority can lead to better outcomes, as the group’s collective knowledge outweighs that of any single person.
• When collaboration improves accuracy: For example, crowd-sourced solutions or predictions can often be more accurate than individual experts. The success of online encyclopedias like Wikipedia is an example of this. Wikipedia is built on collective knowledge and efforts. Users are responsible for developing, updating, and maintaining their massive collection of entries.
• When group harmony is important: Groups often work better together and feel more connected when everyone follows the same rules. This is especially crucial when people must collaborate on a project or collectively make decisions.
• When decisions must be made quickly: When making a quick decision, relying on the group’s collective judgment can speed up the process and save time. This is useful in crises or high-pressure situations where swift action is required.

It’s crucial to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of following the crowd, including the suppression of individuality, the perpetuation of misinformation, and the potential for poor decisions based on group behavior.

How to Think for Yourself

It isn’t always easy to resist herd mentality, particularly when it feels like everyone around you is thinking or acting in a certain way. However, learning how to think for yourself is critical when it comes to making informed, authentic decisions that are aligned with your goals and values.

To resist the influence of herd mentality and maintain a sense of individuality, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Cultivate self-awareness: Consider your principles, beliefs, and preferences and determine whether your behaviors reflect your genuine self or are swayed by external pressures. Regular self-reflection might help you establish a stronger sense of identity and make more authentic decisions.
• Embrace critical thinking: Question the validity of popular opinions and trends, and weigh the pros and cons before making decisions. Developing strong critical thinking skills can help you resist the allure of herd mentality and make more informed and objective choices.
• Seek diverse perspectives: Engage in conversations with people with different viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences to gain a broader understanding of issues and avoid groupthink. Actively seeking alternative views can help you challenge your assumptions and develop a more nuanced understanding of complex topics.
• Be comfortable with uncertainty: Recognize that feeling unsure in some situations is normal and that following the crowd isn’t always the best course of action. Embracing uncertainty can help you resist the pressure to fit in and make decisions based on your own intuition.
• Develop your confidence: Strengthen your self-esteem and trust in your judgment so you feel empowered to make independent decisions. Building self-confidence can help you resist the pull of herd mentality and navigate social situations with greater independence and resilience.

We can improve ourselves and society by resisting herd mentality and making independent choices. This means developing critical thinking skills and valuing our individuality. Doing so can create a more diverse and inclusive community where collective decisions are made while respecting personal autonomy and independent thought.

Key Takeaways

• Herd mentality is the tendency to follow the crowd, often overriding personal judgment. It can strongly influence behavior in areas like fashion, politics, and how people react during crises.
• Signs of herd mentality include polarization, fear of missing out, and pressure to conform, all of which can suppress independent thought and discourage dissent.
• While not always harmful, herd mentality can lead to poor decisions, so it’s important to stay self-aware, think critically, seek out different viewpoints, and get comfortable with uncertainty.

Holotropic breathing, more commonly known as holotropic breathwork (HB), is a therapeutic and spiritual practice that uses accelerated breathing patterns to alter consciousness and explore inner experiences. It is often utilized to promote self-discovery, emotional healing, and insight into unresolved psychological issues.

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How Can Holotropic Breathwork Help?

Research on the therapeutic benefits of holotropic breathing for psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety is lacking. Given the associated risks and limited research evidence, there is little to suggest that holotropic breathwork should be used instead of traditional mental health treatments.

However, there is some research suggesting that breathwork interventions such as holotropic breathing may benefit mental well-being in these ways:

• Reduced stress: Some evidence suggests that it might be helpful for relaxation, stress relief, personal growth, or self-awareness.
• Improved mental health: Research has shown that breathwork interventions may help improve mental health and reduce stress. However, researchers caution that further research is needed to better understand the nuances and specific uses of different breathwork interventions.
• Reduced anxiety: Another review found that a range of breathwork practices could help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. While there is a lack of specific research on holotropic breathing, the authors of the study suggest that it may also help people with anxiety better learn to control their breath, which may help manage anxiety.

Other potential benefits are harder to quantify but could still boost your well-being. These include:

• Spending time in a trusting environment
• Focusing on deeper life concerns
• Learning how to support other people
• Trusting in your ability to heal yourself
• Developing compassion

What’s the Goal of Holotropic Breathwork?

The practice of holotropic breathwork involves using a controlled breathing process to access altered states of consciousness and increased enlightenment. Originating from the Greek words “holos” (whole) and “trepein” (to move toward), the word “holotropic” translates to “moving toward wholeness.” 

The primary principle of this technique is that healing comes from within the person practicing the breathwork. This premise is also intended to help the participant feel personally empowered.

In many countries, practitioners utilize this technique as a spiritual practice rather than a therapeutic one. In this way, some people participate in expanding their awareness rather than overcoming or managing a mental health condition. Many proponents of holotropic breathing propose that this technique moves you forward to higher consciousness.

In other words, it may shift you into another state, which can appeal to people who feel stuck and unable to advance using other means. Often, this feeling of awakening can happen through some form of catharsis.

A note of caution: Practitioners say that trauma may surface during a session, but only if it is necessary for healing. This can’t be predicted before the session. Rather, each person’s experience with holotropic breathwork is unique and self-directed and unfolds on its own as the practice progresses.

How It Works

The underlying tenet of holotropic breathwork is that each person has an inner radar that can determine the most important experience at a given moment, but we cannot be aware of this experience until it happens.

From this perspective, the facilitator does not need to tell those who are practicing what to focus on. Instead, participants are instructed to figure out what emerges for them as they do the work.

People often experience an intense, “therapeutic” crisis that helps flush away negative energies and leads them to a healing place of greater understanding. This will always be specific to the person at that particular time in their life.

Holotropic Breathwork vs. Hyperventilation

Given the nature of this type of breathwork, you might wonder: Is holotropic breathwork just hyperventilating? The intended breathing pattern is designed to be even so that the participant avoids hyperventilating. However, some attribute the physical feelings of the experience to a person’s carbon dioxide (CO2)-oxygen (O2) balance getting out of whack, which is what happens with hyperventilation.

Hyperventilation (breathing out too much CO2, which causes respiratory alkalosis or alkalinizing of the blood) may lead to an altered state of consciousness and the physical sensations of tingling of the fingers and mouth, lightheadedness, and dizziness.

What to Expect in a Session

If you want to try holotropic breathing, consider signing up for an online course hosted by a trained instructor. You can also schedule private sessions, watch online videos, or utilize a breathwork app.

Let’s take a closer look at what a session of holotropic breathwork might look like.

1. Holotropic breathwork is often practiced in a group led by a trained facilitator. It may also be offered in individual sessions or as part of a retreat. 
2. People are paired off in a group setting. There is one “breather” and one “sitter.” 
3. The sitter only helps the breather if needed. The breather is the person actively practicing and experiencing HB. The sitter ensures that the breather is safe and supported during the session.
4. A facilitator guides the session. They say when to increase the speed and rhythm of breathing. The breather is told to breathe faster and deeper while keeping their eyes closed. While the speed of breathing increases, attention is paid to keep breathing even, which helps practitioners avoid complications from hyperventilating.
5. A session might last from 2 to 3 hours in total.
6. The breather lies on a mat for the duration of a session. Lying down grounds the breath and allows them to move freely in whatever pose their breath takes them.
7. Repetitive music is played. The rhythmic music encourages the breather to enter an altered state of consciousness (similar to having a vivid dream). The music starts off with drumming, and eventually reaches a peak and switches to “heart music.” From there, it eventually changes to meditative music.
8. The session is open-ended. This means that each person is able to derive their own meaning and attain self-discovery in whatever form that means for them. In addition to moving in any way that they want, breathers are encouraged to make any sounds that feel right to them.
9. Afterward, participants draw mandalas about their experience and discuss what happened. This could be the re-experiencing of past trauma, feelings of joy, or the development of spiritual awareness. Essentially, the goal is for holotropic breathing to be a catalyst for bringing to the surface the most important issues a person needs to address.
10. Breathers and sitters swap roles for future sessions.
11. There is no specific guideline or expectation of what must occur or what issues are explored during a session. Participants are free to work on whatever comes up for them as they enter the altered state.

Proponents of this technique contend that this altered state allows people to access parts of the mind that are not usually accessible, such as memories of past events.

What Does Holotropic Breathwork Feel Like?

It might seem scary to breathe in this way, and you might worry about the effects that you will experience.

Rapid breathing can feel overwhelming or unsettling, but practitioners are always welcome to back off if the sensations feel like too much. However, breathers are encouraged to (safely) push through if they are able, as it is thought that this is the pathway to the enlightenment the practice seeks to reveal.

Some prefer to call it a “non-ordinary state of consciousness” rather than an altered state of consciousness, to reflect that it does not necessarily have the negative connotations of altered states. In general, the concept of having a dream might be a more useful metaphor.

Are There Any Risks?

There are some potential risks of participating in holotropic breathwork.

• Increased distress: There is some concern that this technique causes distress in vulnerable individuals, such as those at risk for psychosis.
• Hyperventilation: If not done carefully, holotropic breathing can cause reduced carbon dioxide and other alterations in blood chemistry that can lead to dizziness, fainting, weakness, spasms of the hands and feet, and even seizures.
• Uncomfortable feelings: Since holotropic breathwork is aimed at a “deep experience,” uncomfortable feelings, also known as a “healing crisis, ” may arise. Indeed, this technique is controversial because it involves the possible amplification of symptoms in potentially problematic ways.

Is Holotropic Breathwork Safe for Everyone?

This technique can evoke intense physical and emotional changes. Therefore, the practice isn’t for everyone.

For anyone considering trying holotropic breathing, it is a good idea to discuss possible risks with your healthcare provider before embarking on this alternative practice, especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart attacks, high blood pressure, and angina
• Glaucoma or retinal detachment
• Recent injury or surgery
• Any condition that requires you to take medication
• Panic attacks or psychosis
• Seizures
• Severe mental illness
• Aneurysms (or family history)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

History of Holotropic Breathing

This unconventional New Age practice was developed by psychiatrists Stanislav and Christina Grof in the 1970s to achieve altered states of consciousness (without using drugs) as a potential therapeutic tool.

After LSD became illegal in the late 1960s, the Grofs, who had been proponents of the therapeutic effects of LSD, developed holotropic breathwork. The technique was created to achieve psychedelic-like states without using psychedelic drugs. The Grofs were trained in Freudian psychoanalytic therapy and believed the process of deep, self-exploration brought on by these altered states can bring healing.

Stanislav Grof is known as the co-founder of transpersonal psychology (along with Abraham Maslow). Grof began his work at the Psychiatric Research Institute in Prague and eventually moved to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. His work was conducted with patients experiencing psychiatric illness, cancer, and drug addiction.

Holotropic breathing was derived from a spiritual framework but is also a trademarked activity that has become increasingly popular among those seeking to explore a unique self-healing process to attain a state of wholeness.

Key Takeaways

• Holotropic breathwork is a technique that uses fast, controlled breathing to experience an altered state of consciousness. It may be used as a tool for emotional release, self-exploration, and spiritual insight. 
• It is typically practiced in group workshops, retreats, or individual sessions with the support of a facilitator. Guidance is essential to help people stay safe and get the most out of the experience.
• Holotropic breathwork benefits may include reduced stress, increased self-awareness, and reduced anxiety, but it is not a replacement for evidence-based mental health treatment. Because of potential risks, it’s best used under professional supervision to augment other therapeutic interventions.

A soul tie is a deep emotional or spiritual bond that forms between two people, often through close relationships or meaningful interactions. While some soul ties can create lasting and supportive connections, others may keep you attached to unhealthy or toxic relationships that you should break away from to heal and move forward in life.

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How to Recognize a Healthy Soul Tie

When two people have formed a healthy and positive soul-tie connection, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. A healthy soul-tie relationship should enhance your life, not take away from it.

You may have found a positive soul-tie connection if you:

1. Feel energized or inspired when you are around them. How do you feel after spending time with the other person? Do you feel rejuvenated and inspired, or do you find yourself feeling drained or exhausted? A positive soul-tie connection should leave you feeling energized and creative.
2. Feel comfortable and secure in their presence. Do you feel safe with the other person? Do you trust them, and do they inspire confidence in you? Healthy soul ties should create a sense of safety and trust between two people.
3. Don’t feel judged or criticized. Are you comfortable being authentic and vulnerable with the other person? A healthy soul-tie connection should provide an atmosphere where both parties can express themselves openly without fear of judgment or criticism.
4. Respect and admire each other. Do you admire the other person, and do they show respect for you? Healthy soul ties are built on mutual respect and admiration between two people.
5. Feel unconditionally loved and accepted. Do you feel accepted by the other person without condition? A positive soul-tie connection should provide a sense of unconditional love and acceptance from both sides.
6. Understand and empathize with them. Do you feel that the other person truly understands and empathizes with you? A positive soul-tie connection should be one in which both parties can offer each other support, love, and understanding.

Four Types of Soul Ties

Soul ties can involve physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Such connections can vary in intensity depending on the type of connection and the bond that forms.

1. Physical soul ties may involve physical contact, such as sexual intimacy. However, they can also form through other forms of physical connection, including non-intimate touch.
2. Emotional soul ties involve intense feelings of attachment. These form when people share emotions, vulnerability, and emotional support. They often emerge in close friendships and romantic relationships.
3. Mental soul ties involve close intellectual connections. These are rooted in psychological or intellectual connection and often form through exchanging ideas, stimulating conversations, or solving a shared problem.
4. Spiritual soul ties involve a deep connection to one another’s spirituality or religious beliefs. These can be particularly powerful because they are often connected to a person’s sense of identity and core values.

Soul Tie or Twin Flame?

Though similar, soul ties and twin flames are not the same.

Why Some Soul Ties Can Be Toxic

When a soul tie connection is unhealthy, it can be dangerous and destructive. People who are in an unhealthy soul-tie relationship may experience intense jealousy, possessiveness, and codependency.

They may become overly attached to the other person and struggle to define their identity without them.

In addition, they may feel a sense of emptiness when separated from the other person or find that their life lacks meaning without them.

Some signs that you may be in an unhealthy soul-tie relationship include:

• Feeling anxious when away from the other person for too long
• Becoming overly dependent on the other person for emotional support
• Having difficulty making decisions without the other person’s input
• Feeling jealous or possessive of the other person
• Struggling to define your identity without them
• Feeling drained or exhausted after interacting with them
• Experiencing a sense of emptiness when away from them

How to Break a Soul Tie That’s Hurting You

If you find yourself in an unhealthy soul-tie connection, there are steps you can take to break the tie and restore balance in your life. It is important to remember that healing takes time, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight.

• Acknowledge the unhealthy soul-tie connection: Take some time to reflect on the relationship and identify what makes it unhealthy or destructive. Identify how this connection has impacted your life negatively and why it needs to be broken.
• Cut off contact: While it may not be easy, one of the first steps in breaking an unhealthy soul-tie connection is cutting off contact with the other person as much as possible. This includes avoiding seeing them in person, removing them from social media, and blocking their number if possible.
• Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time connecting with positive people to help restore your energy and lift your spirits. Seek out relationships that are healthy and supportive, both in person and online. Consider talking to a mental health professional for additional support.
• Practice self-care: Take the time to practice self-care by engaging in activities such as yoga, journaling, or meditation that help you relax and restore balance in your life.
• Rely on a higher power: Connecting with a higher power can help provide strength during difficult times and give you peace of mind knowing that you are not alone in this process of healing.
• Forgive yourself and the other person: One of the most important steps in breaking an unhealthy soul-tie connection is forgiving yourself and the other person. This can be a difficult step, but it’s important to remember that forgiveness is not about condoning someone’s actions, but rather releasing your anger and resentment to move forward with peace and clarity.

Key Takeaways

• A soul tie is a deep emotional, spiritual, or psychological bond between two people, often formed through close or intense relationships.
• You may feel a strong sense of trust, emotional safety, understanding, and acceptance with this person. Positive soul ties often bring comfort, encouragement, and a feeling of being deeply seen or supported.
• Unhealthy soul ties can leave you feeling anxious, codependent, and exhausted. In such cases, focus on setting firm boundaries, practicing emotional detachment, seeking support (such as therapy or spiritual guidance), and caring for yourself.