3 Tips To Help Not Let Social Media Ruin Your Life
Social media is a huge part of most people’s lives these days - whether you use it as part of your job, or if you just use it for personal reasons, pretty much everyone finds themselves scrolling every day. Because of the accessibility of social media, I’m sure you’re well aware of all the downfalls of social media and the negative impact it can have on your mental health. Taking time off social media or deleting your account may be beneficial for some, but others may not have the option to leave social media altogether - especially those who use it as part of their job.
But, you don’t necessarily have to hop off social media forever to feel better. Learning how to create a healthier relationship with social media may be more beneficial and productive anyway. You just need some rules to help you be more intentional with how you use it to find your balance!
Develop your own social media code of conduct
Figuring out specifically what aspects of social media impact you negatively is the first step. Is it specific types of posts? Is it specific times of the day you use it? Is it feeling pressured to be active and post? Whatever your reasons may be, identify them so you know exactly what things you need to adjust.
Then, from there, create a “code of conduct” to follow. If you know a certain type of post triggers you, figure out ways to avoid them. If you feel more stressed when you use it during specific times of the day (maybe while you’re supposed to be doing homework or working, or maybe late at night, etc.), make it a point to not open social media apps during those times. If you feel pressured to post or be active, whether for work or for fun, hire someone to post for you (if for work), or step away from that platform for a while (if for fun).
2. Be intentional with your time
It’s no secret that social media can be a HUGE distraction and waste a ton of your time. But, the truth is, that really comes down to user error. We’re in charge of our own time and what we choose to do with it. Therefore, we’re in charge of setting our own limits when it comes to our time on social media.
I bet you’ve used up a ton of time scrolling like there’s no tomorrow. We ALL do it. We fall into a trance and all of a sudden your “I’m just gonna spend 10 minutes on TikTok” has turned into 2 hours in the blink of an eye. Bust yourself when you are mindlessly scrolling. Make sure you set aside chunks of time to intentionally use social media. And make sure to hold yourself accountable to stop using it when you need to - set an alarm or utilize the “app limits” in your phone settings.
3. Unfollow/Proactively Follow
Triggering content is everywhere. It’s hard to escape it sometimes, but you can limit how much you come across. If your personal social media feed is full of posts that cause you to have negative feelings, take control and unfollow accounts that post content that makes you anything less than happy to see. If they don’t provide some kind of value to your life or your mood, unfollow them. Every account you follow should have a purpose - even if it’s just for enjoyment or to make you laugh. If there’s no purpose or it brings up any negative feelings, you shouldn’t give your energy to it by keeping it in your feed.
On the other side of that, spend some time actively seeking out accounts that inspire you! Make it a point to follow accounts that make you happy, inspired, and provide you with value and positivity. Your feed should be flooded with content that benefits you and contributes positively to how you feel, or your outlook on life.
Yes, social media can be pretty harmful to our mental health if we don’t set some limitations. But, you need to take control, instead of letting it control YOU. Learning how to incorporate social media into your life without the negative aspects (whether it’s just for fun or vital to your business) is the key to being able to enjoy and effectively utilize something that does have so many positives to it. You just need to set your boundaries by developing rules and regulations that can help you avoid the mental pitfalls of social media, so you can scroll without the negative feelings!
