Like millions of other TikTok users, Jonas was glued to the app. At one point, he was breaking his timer locks only to do it again. To preserve his mental well-being and free up time, he removed the app and other social platforms. “I don’t actually have social media on my phone anymore,” Jonas tells me in an interview. “I want to be present and be here.” Instead of commuting, Joe now uses his time to enjoy the cities he visits, catch up on Netflix shows, or take up landscape photography. “[With] TikTok, everyone is chasing the next trend. And I find myself being like, Oh this is going to be so much fun and everyone is going to love it.… I think you just have to be authentic with yourself and do what makes you happy.”
“[With] TikTok, everyone is chasing the next trend. And I find myself being like, Oh this is going to be so much fun and everyone is going to love it… I think you just have to be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.”
In addition to limit social media, Jonas likes to take care of himself by following a morning routine. “I meditate first thing in the morning at Headspace. I know the meditations do me justice, but I like to look at the clock to see how many days in a row I’ve done the meditation,” he says. He then writes a gratitude list and shares it in a group chat with some of his friends, which holds him accountable. Lastly, he will open up Duolingo for some Italian lessons. “Slowly but surely, I’m trying to learn Italian so I can go there [Italy] and order my own food,” Jonas says. Having a routine helps you stay present, grounded and aware of your space, he says.
With everything going on in the world and on social media, it can be hard to spend time on our mental health, but Jonas reminds us to take the time to be where our feet are planted. “I know that sounds pretty funny, but I think you’re always thinking about the next trip, and I’m like, Here we are in this beautiful city. [referring to New York]. You can walk down the street, there are so many different people and energies, why not just enjoy it, look up from my phone and be aware of my surroundings, says Jonas.[Being present has] It made me a little more grateful for what I have.”
