Right now, you might be feeling like you need a break from social media and that is totally okay. Over the last few months, we have seen social media platforms become increasingly more dark in terms of content and hatred. As someone who recently chose to take a step back in order to re-evaluate myself and my own social media platforms, I understand. It's easy to fall into the mindset that you need social media to stay connected and informed. Even though we have been made to feel like we need social media, the truth is we don't. There is nothing wrong with deciding that you need to take some time and log off for the sake of your own mental and physical well-being. So if you are like me and struggling to log off from your social media sites, here are some things you can try to help distance yourself until you are ready to return to social media.
1. Limit your screen time
A great way to spend less time on social media is to limit your screen time. You can easily do this through your settings in your phone and it allows you to limit the time throughout a week you are allowed to spend on these apps. This is a great option if you are someone who requires social media for your job or an organization that you are a part of. This way you can remain involved without spending too much time on the apps.
2. Put the apps in a place on your phone where you won't spot them easily.
This tip might sound silly but I promise it worked for me. Since I was in a situation where my job requires social media, I just moved the apps location on my phone screen. I was still able to receive any important alerts but I was far less likely to go searching for the Twitter app on my phone. I found that since it wasn't directly in front of me, I didn't want to go on it as frequently.
3. Turn off your notifications
For this tip, you just turn off all the notifications for your social media apps. Similarly to moving the apps, you're less likely to go on the apps if you don't have a reason to. Without the constant alerts, you feel less of a need to check the apps.
4. Find a new way to spend your time
If you are looking to stay off social media, find a new way to occupy your time. Try to find an activity you'd rather spend your time doing than scrolling on social media. For example, find a new book to read, listen to a podcast, or pickup a new hobby like painting or running. If you find something else that interests you, you're not going to want to spend all your time sitting on social media.
5. Deactivate your accounts
This option might seem more extreme compared to other choices. Deactivating your accounts is something that can be down easily and quickly. You just need to google each app's policies and how to procedures. This option is great, if you are super serious about your break and what I liked is it prevents people from interacting with your account. This way you don't have to worry about missing a post you were tagged in or even not seeing a message.
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