Want to spend less time on social media?

Have a ‘why?’

Are you checking to catch up with friends, read some news, or maybe get inspired by some creative content? Having a clear purpose can keep you from going down the social media rabbit hole!

Set a time limit on your phone

Most smartphones these days come with the nifty feature of setting time limits for apps. Use it to your advantage! Set a reasonable time limit for social media apps each day. When that timer goes off, it's your cue to wrap up and move on to something else.

Use a timer

Set a timer for a specific period, like 15 minutes, and challenge yourself to wrap up your social media session when the alarm goes off. It's like a game, and you'll be amazed at how much you can do in a focused timeframe.

Have a scheduled time

Create a social media schedule. Instead of impulsively checking your feeds whenever you have a spare moment, plan specific times for social media breaks. It's like scheduling your me-time with your online buddies.

Unfollow and unsubscribe

Streamline your feed by unfollowing or unsubscribing from accounts that don't bring value to your life. Remember, quality over quantity!

Have no-screen zones at home

Make certain areas of your home a no phone zone or no screens zone. This way, you're less likely to mindlessly scroll when you're supposed to be focusing on other things. The dining table and your bedroom are great places to start.

Do something else

Replace your social media habit with something more productive and fulfilling. Whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, doing some gardening or catching up with a friend (in person!) – there are so many wonderful things you could be doing!

Switch off notifications

Take a few moments to review and adjust your notification settings. Do you really need to be alerted every time someone likes your post? Instead, check in when you're ready to focus on it.

Do some 'mindful scrolling'

Take a breath, remind yourself of your intentions, and engage with content that genuinely interests you. Notice when you start scrolling mindlessly. If you catch yourself doing it, put down the phone or switch off your computer. Take a deep breath, stretch or sit in the garden. Break the cycle!

Have a digital detox day

Consider dedicating a day (or even just a few hours) every week to being completely social media-free. It might feel weird at first, but it's surprisingly liberating.

Reward yourself

Congratulate yourself for sticking to your social media goals! Treat yourself to something you enjoy after a successful day of controlled scrolling. Positive reinforcement works wonders. If you notice that it's still taking up more time than you'd like, adjust your strategies, and keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

Remember, the goal isn't to completely avoid social media - it's about using it in a way that adds value to your life without gobbling up all your time.