We all could use a good social media detox. But that’s hard to do when social media predominates much of our lives. There’s nothing wrong with social media itself — it’s brought many people together, especially during the pandemic. But the problem is we don’t always use it in a healthy way. Many experts have linked heavy social media use with increased rates of mental health issues. And that is just another reminder to disconnect every now and then.
While taking a social media detox is easier said than done, it is possible—and you don’t have to cut social media completely out of your life to do so, either. By following some of the steps below, you can still enjoy connecting with people online, take breaks, and spend time doing other things that bring you joy.
1. Set a timer.
Set a timer for how long you can be on social media. This is a great way to reduce your time spent on each platform. Some apps allow you to set timers for how long you want to spend on social media. And some also track how often you use them, which is another great way to monitor your social media use.
2. Log out of apps.
Consider logging out of your social media applications on all your devices. Even when you’re tempted to log in, you have to remember your login information. And that gives you some extra time to consider if you really want to go on social media. Maybe you’re just bored. For me, social media is something I automatically check without thinking about what I’m doing. By logging out, I’m able to consider why I want to log in without doing it mindlessly.
3. Delete the apps.
I have deleted social media apps from my phone, especially the ones I use most frequently. You can delete all your apps, some apps, a mix of both, or whatever works best for you. This is a great way to ensure you have an effective social media detox, and it’s super easy—it only takes a couple of steps to delete these apps from your phone.
4. Log in only on certain days.
I started reserving Fridays and weekends to end my social media detox. I tell myself that I can binge-scroll for however long I want. But when the week rolls around, I’ll have to wait again before engaging in mindless social media binging. This is a great way to curb your social media habits if you still want to use the apps. It also helps you realize that much of the fear of missing out you had isn’t as important as you initially thought. Plus, if you’re like me, building up the anticipation to check what you missed on social media can create excitement when you log back in.
5. Use social media mindfully.
This is the most important point of all. Once I confronted other problems I had on social media, such as doomscrolling and comparing myself negatively to others, I realized I spent most of the time on social media “just because.” I wasn’t being mindful of my use at all. Now, I try to pay attention to what I’m doing and how I’m feeling and just be present when I am on social media. It’s a skill you have to practice, but doing it will make you feel more relaxed and at peace with yourself.
Above all, use social media in moderation.
Like everything else, we will be happier and healthier using social media moderately. That might mean we have to give ourselves a social media detox sometimes. As humans, we often go to extremes with things and don’t practice moderation, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. More often than not, moderate usage of social media helps you feel more fulfilled and fully present in the life that you’re living, with all of its aspects and beauty.
Originally published on Women Advance NC
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash
