Social networks are an easy way to stay connected with loved ones, network in your field and stay up to date with the latest information.However, using too much social media can take up your time, distract you, and can even make you unhappy. Here are 10 easy ways to help you spend less time on social media and spend more time on your life.
Table of Contents
1. Know how much time you are spending on social media
The first step when making any change is to identify a starting point. If your phone tracks screen time usage, look at the numbers and quantify what they mean. For example, if you spent a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes last Monday, was the largest part of that on Instagram on your lunch break or Snapchatting throughout the day? What could you instead spend those 2 hours and 30 minutes doing that would make you happier or more satisfied?
Identify which apps you’re using the most, when and why you’re using them, and how to replace that habit. If you’re goal-oriented, you can also set screen time or social media time goals, based on how much time you know you’re currently spending. For example, cutting down 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours next week would be a much easier start to achieve than the goal of cutting screen time to 30 minutes.)
2. Use the mute (or unfollow) button
Do yourself a favor and turn off or unfollow everyone on Instagram except for a few accounts that give you inspiration, motivation, and happiness whenever you click on their feed or story. Not only will this boost your confidence, but you’ll naturally spend less time on social media when you have fewer accounts and feeds to click through.
3. Don’t check your phone before 10am
Many of us wake up and immediately scroll through Facebook like the morning newspaper, while others stay in bed for a long time because they follow Tik Tok. Not only does checking social media first thing in the morning start your day with a focus on what other people are doing in their lives (instead of setting the tone for what you’re doing in your life) which could be a waste of time.
Experts advise that you can check social media after you’ve started your day, whether that’s a specific time (like 10 a.m.) or 60 minutes after you wake up. You can also limit the amount of time you spend on your phone in general.
4. Turn off notifications
Do you really need to get notified every time some random account likes your photo? Turn off notifications and alerts to take your attention away from your phone. Give your phone a break and turn off social media notifications so you can choose when you want to check social media, instead of letting social media tell you when.
Photo: @_harlowejames
5. Do not leave your phone on the table
Try creating a phone-free space in your home by keeping your dining room table technology-free. It will ensure that you are fully present during mealtimes. Also, when you’re eating out with friends, try getting everyone to put their phones in the middle of the table and the first person to take their phone gets to pay the bill or buy a drink. Sure, you and your friends might find it annoying to enforce this rule, but you’ll have better conversations, longer meals, and a lot of fun. Spending less time on social media is just a blessing.
6. Find a companion
The secret to changing any habit or implementing any new habit can be easier if you have a partner. Find a friend who also wants to spend less time on social media, find a friend who can help you overcome your technology addiction, or ask your roommate to remind you to stop spending time on social media.
Photo: @theyusufs
7. Use the Screen Time app (or a timer app)
Using Apple Screen Time or Google Digital Wellbeing, you can set time limits for daily social media use or be specific to any app (e.g. such as Instagram, my time of day). You can also schedule a specific time of day using Screen Time’s Downtime feature, or try an app like Forest, which offers more incentive to limit time. device usage time.
8. Leave the phone in another room
If you’re taking time for self-care or focusing on tasks at work, you don’t need your phone staring at you. Leave your phone in another room whenever you don’t need it, or just keep it out of sight as much as possible. If you’re ready to limit your phone use, consider leaving your phone at home when going for a walk or when you leave the house to run errands.
9. Change the location of social networking applications in your phone
Many people have admitted, whenever they open their phone to view notes, send text messages or check the weather, their fingers automatically click on Instagram, Facebook first. Sometimes, they realize they’ve spent 15 minutes on Instagram and don’t know how to limit that.
To get out of this habit, try rearranging the placement of social networking apps on your phone. Consider keeping apps on the last page or frequently changing positions to break automatic movement.
10. Communicate more in person (or call)
We’re so used to asking for directions, making social plans or making reservations, and getting help with buttons on a touchscreen. Reduce your reliance on social media by practicing in-person (or phone) communication. Ask anyone nearby for directions, call your friends to make plans, and ask your roommates if they know the weather instead of checking the weather app. Small adjustments will make a big difference in our overall dependence on our phones.
