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Is Social media hurting your mental health?
Do you feel that you get easily affected by social media? Are you spending too much time on social media? If you answer ‘Yes’, maybe it’s time to go through a social media detox! Ready to take the plunge and unplug?
Here are some social media detox tips!
Social media detox doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go cold turkey. Sometimes, smart management and self-discipline can help you manage your usage on social media. Whatever your strategy is, get support from family and peers so that you can achieve your goals and lead a healthier life.
Tip 1: Pick Your Social Media
Social media as a tool is not inherently bad — it depends on how you use and consume it. Certain platforms can greatly enhance your wellbeing by providing instant connectivity to a likeminded community. You can also get great ideas from interacting with others. Choose platforms that allow you to more selectively curate your feed.
Tip 2: Set Time Limits
Pick a reasonable time limit for you to spend on social media. Did you know you can set a time reminder on Instagram or Youtube to remind yourself of the time you have spent online? It could be 15 minutes a day, twice a day or strictly on the weekends. Set an alarm clock to keep you on schedule.
Tip 3: Turn off your phone to Reconnect
Switch off completely when you are having meals with friends, taking a walk in the park with your friends or having a family gathering. It is important to give these activities your full attention without distraction. Building strong relationships and genuine friendships requires time and effort. These opportunities can help develop your listening and interaction skills as well! A healthy social life is built upon making real connections with people.
Tip 4: Delete Apps from your Smartphone if Necessary
The ride to school or work may be long, but you can always listen to music, podcasts or read a book. Deleting social media apps from your smartphone will help you manage compulsive checking and limit your social networking to when you’re in front of a computer. Apps such as OutPack helps limit your social media usage easily and automatically.
Tip 5: Take Up Other Hobbies
Replace social media use with other healthier social activities offline such as games or sports, or try learning a new skill or language. Organise an outdoor picnic or a trek to the nature reserves with your friends! Fill your schedule with more meaningful and enriching activities, benefitting the mind, body and soul. Even indulging in a spot of day dreaming can keep away boredom. Create a regular routine that limits your social media use, particularly in the morning and before bedtime.
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Try a few of the suggested tips and take note of how managing your time on social media can help improve your mental health, social life, and productivity!
Adapted from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1345/disconnect-to-reconnect-why-a-social-media-detox-might-be-good-for-you
