Take a second and think: How many people that you know aren’t active users of any social media platform? Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or any kind of blogging or social site where they interact with other human beings. Very few, right?
You may have once included your Mum on that list, but I bet even she uses it now!
And social media may not only be part of your personal life – it might be part of your professional life, too? The reality is that, for many of us, social media affects our lives from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. This can definitely lead to a certain amount of overwhelm and it can be tricky to know how to disengage.
Fundamentally, the purpose of social media is – quite literally – to be social. The premise is to engage and be engaged in conversations and to express yourself. So focus on using it as intended, and try and move away from any pressure to be constantly ‘showing up’!
Feeling overwhelmed by something you use as a form of escapism can feel a little ironic – when you start wanting to escape from escapism, things get a bit meta!
If you’re feeling like social media is becoming problematic for you, then take comfort in this: this feeling is more common than you think, and it can be remedied:
Firstly, ask yourself ‘why’?
It’s important to check in with yourself and assess why you are feeling overwhelmed. This could be for a number of reasons and could be easily fixed with a few clicks. It might be something totally unrelated. But either way, sit back and be honest with yourself.
Review what content you are consuming
Let’s face it, social media ages. Accounts you followed a few years ago might not be your cup of tea anymore, or you may find that following certain people no longer interests or makes you happy. You do not need to engage with anything that doesn’t bring you joy. So reassess what you want to be seeing and edit as necessary. Be brutal: this is for you only.
Make your bed a ‘scroll-free’ zone
If you find that part of your morning routine is clicking on your social media apps, or checking notifications just before bed, stop this by banning the use of social media while you’re in bed. This is a place designated for rest and recuperation, not scrolling.
Assign yourself social media breaks
Setting yourself time periods where you access social media can be a great way of feeling more in control. For example, say to yourself you’ll only check it during your lunch break or in the evening whilst waiting for dinner to cook. Adding parameters will help with limiting the chance of feeling overwhelmed. Remember: it’ll still be there the next day!
Install an app that tracks your social media usage
Download an app that tracks your usage of social media platforms – some even prevent you accessing them for a set time period. Just search ‘App to limit social media time’ – you’ll find all sorts of options.
The main thing is to remember that social media is something that you actively engage with, therefore you can actively disengage from it at any time you choose. It takes commitment and discipline, but you have the control at your fingertips. If you want to, start now.
P.S. If you’re finding that the last thing you want to do is be on social media even more for your business – give us a call and let’s discuss taking that off your plate for you!
Thank you to our guest Blogger Chantelle Davison – Choice Words By Chantelle