If you use social media platforms, you know how easy it is to feel the constant urge to check your phone. There are constant notifications, comments and likes to keep up with. These social media platforms can make us engage in addictive behavior. That’s why it’s so important to cut back on social media, and here are five healthy ways to do that.
A UCLA study found that getting a “like” on social media platforms increases dopamine production in the brain, and it feels good. The only problem is, the more we release dopamine, the more we want it. So, we constantly seek out more gratification from our social media platforms.
That’s why it’s hard to turn off and step away from your smartphone.
Luckily, Dr. James Roberts has these five easy ways to break free from the grip of social media:
Create phone-free areas
Whether it’s your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, car or office, set phone-free areas. In these spaces, it’s against the rules to check your phone.
Set phone-friendly time periods
Allow yourself two to three times per day to check your phone. During these times, feel free to check out your various social media accounts, but once time’s up, put your phone away and focus on other things.
Focus on the present moment and who you’re with
Social media platforms are meant to be, well, social. But they’re actually pretty alienating – especially when you spend more time on your apps than with your real-life friends.
Monitor your smartphone usage
It might seem ironic to use an app to monitor how much time you spend on different smartphone activities. But it can be a good way to gauge just how connected you are.
Set social media boundaries
Just because you have lots of social media accounts, that doesn’t mean you have to get all the notifications all the time. Set your phone on airplane mode. Or, switch off notifications for certain apps. That way, you can check them when you decide, and not vice versa.
