Social media is what some people would refer to as a double-edged sword. It keeps us connected with people. It can help us keep track of the news. You can find funny memes on there.
However, social media does have its drawbacks. One of them is the fact that you spend too much time on your phone. We have a finite amount of minutes on this earth, and spending so much on social media can be troublesome. Not to mention, there are stories and opinions on there that can make your mood worse.
With that said, the goal is to make sure you are using social media less. Let’s look at some ways you can do so.
Monitor How Much Time You Spend on It
Knowing how much time you spend on social media each day can be eye-opening and make you want to use it less.
There are apps out there that can monitor how much time you spend on certain websites. These include StayFree or any mindfulness apps. By knowing how much time you spend on social media, it can motivate you to change. Not only that, but you can then use it less because of what you know.
Mute, Mute, Mute
The mute function is helpful. By muting, we mean it on several accounts. You can mute any notifications you have from social media apps or desktop alerts. This can allow you to reduce the temptation to look.
In addition, muting people or accounts that post distracting content can benefit you as well.
Don’t Look at Social Media Before or After Certain Times
One way you can be able to reduce the amount of time you are on social media is to not check it an hour after waking up.
Not only can it prevent you from saying something rash, but it help you start your day faster.
Also, don’t look at it too close to bed. You may end up seeing something on social media that can wind you up, and the blue light from your screen may mess with melatonin production. This means you have a hard time sleeping.
Use Productivity Apps
Besides time tracking apps, you can use apps that can reduce the amount of time you spend on social media. Cold Turkey Blocker, StayFocused, and other apps can make it so that those sites are blocked after a certain amount of time, or blocked altogether.
Some of these apps have a free or premium version. For example, with the premium version, you can block more sites, or make it impossible to uninstall the app. Some free apps make it so you can easily uninstall if the temptation is too much.
It’s a Journey
Using social media less isn’t as extreme as quitting hard drugs, but it doesn’t change the fact that social media can be addictive. You can end up checking social media for longer than you want to, or you may wind up deleting that distraction app.
It’s important not to beat yourself up too much if it happens. Just keep trying to be mindful, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
Diagnosis is Key
If you find yourself addicted to tech, you may want to talk to a professional about it.
In some cases, you may have a mental health issue that goes deeper than just a normal addiction. You may have depression, anxiety, or another mental health woe.
To look at yourself, you sometimes need the help of others. With that said, get off Twitter and go to Mind Diagnostics instead. This website can help you by using licensed therapists to diagnose and treat any issues you have. Don’t be afraid to visit them today.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.