Today is World Social Media Day 2023, and it is a great time to take a step back and evaluate our social media habits. We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, and our reliance on social media can be taxing on both our physical and mental well-being. Taking a social media detox can be a great way to reset, refocus, and recharge. Here are 10 tips to help you get started on your social media detox:
Set Limits
Set a time limit for how long you will be on social media each day. Try to stick to this limit as closely as you can. This will help keep your social media use in check and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Unfollow Unnecessary Accounts
If you find yourself scrolling through pages that don’t bring any value to your life, or those that make you feel bad about yourself, it’s time to unfollow them. This will help make sure your feed is full of posts that make you happy and motivated.
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks from social media can help you stay focused and productive. Try to take a break for at least an hour once a day to help keep your mind clear and reduce the urge to check your social media accounts too frequently.
Log Out of Accounts
Logging out of all your accounts after you finish using them can help prevent mindless scrolling through feeds or lingering too long on one post. It’s also helpful to delete any apps that you don’t use often from your phone so they aren’t as easily accessible.
Find Other Activities
Find activities to do when you would normally reach for your phone. Read a book, take a walk or call up an old friend – the possibilities are endless!
Turn Off Notifications
Turn off the notifications and/or alerts from any social media apps that you use regularly. This will help you avoid getting distracted by notifications while working or doing something important.
Avoid Comparing Yourself
It’s easy to become envious or discouraged by what seems perfect on someone else's page, but remember no one is perfect and everyone has their own struggles. You must focus on yourself instead of comparing yourself to others.
Don’t Post Everything
Before posting anything, ask yourself if it is really necessary. The less you post, the less time you spend on social media, so think before you post!
Connect with Real People
Spend time connecting with real people instead of scrolling through feeds and profiles online. Make plans with friends and family, or even meet up with new people who share common interests with you!
Give Yourself Grace
Social media detoxing takes time, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t happen quickly or if some days are harder than others. Just remember why you started this journey in the first place – it was important for your well-being!
