How To: Social Media Detox

I had a really interesting conversation with a friend today. She mentioned that she recently read online articles about the benefits of using social media less. It inspired her to try to make a lifestyle change. She spent the last week or so using social media for only a couple of minutes a day. She felt so much happier & she was able to spend more time on her hobbies & goals. It got me thinking. I use social media WAY too much. Because I am a blogger, I’m always checking my Twitter (twitter.com/lifestylesteph) & Instagram (instagram.com/lifestylebystephanie). I’m also really addicted to Pinterest. I don’t want to think back on my life & be mad that I spent so many hours on my phone versus spending time with my family & friends or learning a new skill or hobby. So I am embarking on a social media detox. Keep reading to learn the steps on how you can embark on your own social media detox.

1. Start small – maybe eliminate one social media platform or try not using your phone for only one day. If you start small, then you are less likely to feel overwhelmed & give up on your social media detox.

2. Allocate time for social media – if you really feel like you are ready to limit your social media time, try to give yourself only 15 or 20 minutes of using social media a day. Set your timer & enjoy the limited time you have checking your favorite social media platforms. Once the 20 minutes is up, put your phone away. Does it really matter if you miss that random girl from high school’s post of her dinner?

3. Spend your evenings reading a book or reflecting on your day – Most of us tend to use our cellphones up until the minute we close our eyes to drift off to sleep. Try spending your evenings doing something more productive. You can try meditating or reading.

4. Put your cellphone away when you are spending time with people – If you are enjoying a delicious meal with your best friend or loved one don’t have your cellphone on the table next to you. You will be less likely to check your social media accounts.

I hope you try your own social media detox. If you do let me know in the comments below.