Social media and mental health are closely intertwined. Social platforms are great for relationships and growing connections with others. Also, you can keep track of memories and build a thriving business. However, it can still bring about depression, social comparisons, and addictions feelings. Plus, most people reach for their devices in times of stress, boredom, and discomfort. Thus, these devices play a role in overall well-being. Below are some habits to practice to help with social media use to ensure you are more present, at peace, and have more personal power.
1. Silence social media notifications
You may want to increase followers on your Instagram, but waiting for notifications to check the new followers and others is an unhealthy habit. Also, seeing who likes your photo or views your videos every instance is distracting. Plus, it triggers dopamine to be released, the happy chemical in your brain. This sensation is the reason you keep checking your notifications. Therefore, it keeps you addicted to your phone signals, and you are not present anymore. Thus, turn off notifications and start being more present. Also, check them at the time you set for them.
2. Mindset is everything
The mindset you choose to have on social media is vital. Most people blame themselves for the connection they have on social media. Yet the social media platforms by design, keep users connected and dependent on them. Therefore, if you get lost in Instagram, scroll forever, and are viewing videos on the scroll page one after the other, the problem is not you. Shift your mindset to release the grip social media has on you. After, use this energy to take control of your social media use.
3. Plan your antisocial media time
The best time to stay away from social media sites is the first hour in the morning and before bedtime. It seems unfair, as this is when you find it soothing to be on social media. But a lot of mental energy is spent absorbing content from people about their lives. Unfortunately, you think it inspires you to follow someone else’s life. But, with time, you get caught in comparing yourself to them, and it is an unhealthy habit. Thus, set a goal to keep off social media. An hour in the morning and an hour before bed. It is the best set time for a month to notice the difference and use this time for yourself. In this way, you reclaim a healthy relationship with social media.
4. Practice leaving your phone behind
It is a healthy decision to leave your phone behind once in a while. For instance, when running your next errand, taking your dog for a walk, going out to dinner, among other things. Doing this can feel weird in the beginning. But, once you stay away from your mobile phone, you understand how dependent we are on mobile phones. The more your practice this habit, the more free you feel, and you will enjoy leaving it behind.
5. Fill our time with fun-loving activities
Think of a habit or practice you want to do more. It may be watching movies with loved ones, playing games, joining a dance class, among other activities you love. Fill your time with some of these activities. In doing so, you learn how a lot of our time is spent relying on digital tools. Digital trends show that the average person can spend up to six hours or more on their digital devices daily. Thus, when you are offline, you grow relationships, unlock creativity, and you end up more gratified and fulfilled at the end of the day.
6. Commit to a time in the day when you are away from your screen
Today, any social space you walk into can be a restaurant or bar. People are looking down on their phones. Most people are not present as their screen time is consuming their presence. Thus, set a rule for yourself to limit screen time, no phones while eating. Or decide if you are on a commute, you stay offline. It is how best you see fit, and you can do another activity that brings you joy, such as reading a book.
