How To Unplug From Social Media
We’re the first to admit that social media can be addicting. The scrolling, the likes, the endless content...it’s a dark hole that’s easy to fall into. If you’re consistently shocked by your screen time, Instagram comparison is putting you down or you’re just looking to spend a little less time on your socials, then it may be time to unplug.
You don’t have to unplug forever to reap the benefits of staying off your phone. If you turn off your screen for just an hour or two a day, you’ll still feel more refreshed and productive. Here are five easy ways to unplug from social media.
1. Keep your phone away from your bedroom
While it’s become more common to take TVs out of the bedroom, it can feel harder to keep your phone away from the sack. But looking at your phone before bed has negative health effects, and people speak about how their morning routines suffer when they check their phones first thing. Keeping your phone next to your bed is a big temptation, so why do it? Check your phone at the door. Your future self will thank you.
Bonus tip: Buy an alarm clock so that you don’t rely on your phone for a wakeup call.
2. Delete the apps...
...Or at least a few. Deleting social media apps from your phone is an effective way to kickstart a social media detox. But if you’re not ready to say goodbye to your favorite app, start with deleting the ones you don’t love. This will still cut down the amount of time you spend on social media without making you feel deprived.
3. Turn off notifications
If deleting the apps isn’t your thing, you can still cut down your consumption by turning off notifications. This can reduce the triggers that may prompt you to open Facebook for the 1,000th time. And when you really need to unplug, turn it on airplane mode. Airplane mode stops all notifications from showing, but as soon as you turn airplane mode off, they’ll pop right up. This will leave you in control of your phone without missing a beat.
4. Have a book handy
We often turn to social media to entertain us, but it’s not the only way to stay occupied. Keep a book or magazine nearby to decrease social media temptation. Plus, reading more will only benefit you!
Bonus tip: Start a book club to encourage you to stick to it!
5. Hold yourself accountable
We strongly believe in the power of content marketing and the wonders it can do for your business. Accountability is key to reaching any personal goal. You can track your time spent on social media daily (talk about a wakeup call) or recruit an accountability partner. And once you hit some major social-media-detox milestones, feel free to reward yourself!
For more talk on social media habits, listen to the badass Profresh Podcast.
Hoot Design Co. is a marketing, branding, and design agency located in Columbia, MO. We specialize in creating a custom and comprehensive marketing strategy centered around your business's unique strengths and educating you with the tools you need from day one. From logo design to brand identity, website design and execution, and social media marketing strategies in-person and through online courses, we're focused on your business success every step of the way.