It can also be a great way to procrastinate. If you find yourself wasting time on social media, try these tips to get back on track:
Set a time limit.
If you find yourself spending hours on social media, set a time limit for yourself. For example, allow yourself 30 minutes per day. Once the time is up, log off and do something else.
Avoid using social media during peak times.
If you know you’re likely to get sucked into a social media black hole, avoid using it during peak times. For example, if you’re most likely to waste time on social media in the evening, don’t log on until after you’ve finished your work or schoolwork for the day.
Do something else at the same time.
If you can’t seem to stay off social media, try doing something else at the same time. For example, if you’re on your lunch break, instead of scrolling through your newsfeed, go for a walk or call a friend.
Limit your social media use to specific times or days.
If you find it difficult to stick to a time limit, try limiting your social media use to specific times or days. For example, only allow yourself to use social media on weekends, or limit yourself to 30 minutes per day on weekdays.
Uninstall social media apps.
If you can’t seem to control your social media use, try uninstalling the apps from your phone or tablet. This way, you’ll have to go out of your way to log on, which may help you to cut back on your use.
Find a hobby.
If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, use it to find a hobby. Doing something you enjoy can help you to stay off social media and avoid wasting time.
Spend time with family and friends.
Spending time with loved ones can help you to stay off social media. If you’re with family or friends, take the opportunity to disconnect from your devices and enjoy their company.
Get a pet.
Pets can help to reduce stress and anxiety. If you find yourself spending too much time on social media, consider getting a pet. They can provide companionship and help you to stay off your phone or computer.
Be mindful of your use.
Try to be mindful of your social media use. Pay attention to how much time you’re spending on it and how it makes you feel. If you find that it’s impacting your mood or productivity, take a break from it.
Seek professional help.
If you can’t seem to control your social media use, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand your use and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
