Nobody likes to admit it, but we all spend too much time on social media. More than we’d like to admit, anyway.
From browsing in your spare time to browsing at your standing desk, many of us end up on our social media feeds without realizing it. How did this happen? I was working, but now I’m looking at my phone! Does this sound familiar? If it does, don’t worry, it’s the new normal.
But, it doesn’t have to be.
If you realize that social media usage is causing you excess stress and anxiety, you’re not the only one. Studies have linked scrolling on social media to higher levels of stress, so for a healthier life, it might be time to cut back. Are you ready to make the change?
Tuning out of your feed is easier than you think. If you’re ready to start a social media detox, keep reading. We’ve got some handy tips and tricks to help you stop this stress-inducing habit. Good luck!
Assess Your Usage
The first step you should take towards mindful social media usage is to assess why you use the platforms. Do you use social media to connect to others, or do you find yourself in a comparing contest every time you log on? If your answer is the latter, don’t worry, we can’t help doing this.
One of the key disadvantages of social media is that it forces the idea of an ‘ideal’ lifestyle. We all post our wins on social media, but never our low days. This means your feed is full of curated lifestyles that don't feature the genuine journey people are on. Comparing yourself is tough when the complete picture isn’t on display.
Manage Your Social Time
Another good indicator of needing a social media break is excessive time on your phone or social platforms. To gauge how much time you spend on these apps, check your screen time on your smartphone’s settings. If this number scares you, it might be time to step back.
With this figure in mind, practice mindfulness as often as possible. If you catch yourself reaching for your phone in a dull moment, try to stop. Instead, take some deep breaths or make yourself a drink instead. Cutting out the impulse to check your phone without purpose is a significant step toward reducing your social media usage and the stress that comes with it.
Focus On Learning
If you’re reading this article thinking, “But, what if I miss out on all the good parts of social media” you’re right. Though social media often receives bad press, it is a fantastic invention that brings us together and helps us learn.
For each profile that only shares vacation pictures, there’s another dedicated to education or a good cause. Don’t cut these positive aspects out of your life, as there’s a lot of valuable information to enjoy. Consider navigating to these pages when you find yourself in a social media trance.
Take Time To Unplug
If you are having a tough time stopping the mindless scrolling in dull moments, consider setting yourself app time limits. These limits can be created in your phone’s settings and in some of the apps too. For example, Tiktok now offers a time limit option to help users regulate their time on the app.
Another way to unplug from social media is to section blocks of time you’re allowed on it. For example, you may say after 7 pm you can enjoy your phone. This keeps you on track throughout the workday, boosting your productivity simultaneously.
Avoid Confrontations
Do you find yourself drawn into online confrontations? With millions of people at our fingertips, it’s easy to clash with others online. If you often find yourself angry and enraged with people’s views, you have to make an effort to tune out.
Sometimes the best course of action is not to reply, as hard as it may feel.
Selective Feeds
Finally, another way to minimize stress from social media apps is to create a selective feed. Rather than scrolling through posts from random people you don’t know, scrutinize why you follow them. We often follow many people we hardly know and end up comparing ourselves to on-screen characters.
Creating a selective feed allows you to choose what you see mindfully. From educational accounts to people you know in real life, this will make your feed more meaningful, and many unrelated posts will be cut out.
The Bottom Line
What do you think? If you’re reading this blog, you may already know it’s time to reduce your online time. Social media isn’t evil, but it can negatively affect our mental health. Be mindful of your time and the content you’re viewing to make the most of these intriguing apps.
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