Table of contents:
- Various methods of detox social media are the most effective
- 1. Keep away cellphone out of reach
- 2. Create an alarm to limit social media access time
- 3. Turn off social media notifications
- 4. Create a “Mobile Free” area
- 5. Create a schedule for "Days Without Social Media"
- 6. Remove social media applications
It feels like almost each of us has one social media account, maybe even more. You are among the people who cannot be absent scrolling social media timeline every day? Watch Out. Although the original purpose was to update the latest info, seeing a row of posts on your cellphone screen can take a long time to eat away at your mind. Now, maybe it's time for you to start a social media detox. How to?
Various methods of detox social media are the most effective
Various studies have reported that long-term use of social media can change thought patterns and be detrimental to mental health.
Yes! Behind all the beauty of photos and the fun of people's stories online, long-term use of social media can have a negative impact on mental health.
Among them are an increased risk of depression, insomnia, poor self-image, decreased self-confidence, anxiety disorders and eating disorders, to self-harm behavior (self-harm).
All these risks are strongly thought to arise as a manifestation of our subconscious tendency to like to compare ourselves with the lives of others so as not to enjoy life. This theory has been explained in a study entitled Online Social Networking and Mental Health published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.
Here are social detox tips that you can try to start reducing "virtual addiction":
1. Keep away cellphone out of reach
Starting a social media detox is not as easy as turning your palms. Especially if you have a lot of free time.
However, as soon as the opportunity arises, immediately put your cellphone or other electronic device out of your reach. Especially if you don't have a lot of activity. Immediately "fill" your empty hands with other activities so that you do not just think about reaching cellphone .
Also keep the phone out of reach of your hands and turn it into silent or vibrate mode when you're working. This makes it easier for you to focus more on completing tasks more efficiently.
So even when hanging out with family or close relatives. If possible, also invite them to commit to putting their cellphones out of reach so that they can focus more on socializing and spending valuable time together.
2. Create an alarm to limit social media access time
The most efficient way to detox social media is to limit the time to access it. According to psychologists, the normal limit for using social media is 30 minutes to an hour per day.
You can divide the total of 1 hour into several "sessions" for the day. For example, 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes at lunch, 15 minutes on the return trip on public transportation, and 15 minutes at dinner.
In order not to go too far, remind yourself to logout from your social media accounts by setting an alarm. There are also many apps that can help remind you when you reach a set time limit.
It's best to avoid accessing social media just before bed, because it can interfere with the quantity and quality of sleep.
3. Turn off social media notifications
Turn off all your social media notifications so you don't get tempted to check your cellphone for the latest updates. Unless the account is used for work needs.
If necessary, adjust what applications are installed on the front display cellphone. Try to install only what is needed.
4. Create a “Mobile Free” area
Even though it sounds ridiculous, it doesn't hurt to try this method. You can decide which areas of the house you are not allowed to bring or even play with . For example, in the TV room or dining room to focus on gathering with family.
5. Create a schedule for "Days Without Social Media"
Designate one day of the week for the “day without social media” moments. For example on Sundays, so you can spend time hanging out with friends or family, as well as doing hobbies that you like.
6. Remove social media applications
One extreme way that can be done to detox social media is to remove the application. This last method is inevitably the last solution if you are still "stubborn" in opening social media after doing the tips above.
There is no need for everything to be deleted. Choose one or two social media apps that are the most "addicting" and make you spend a lot of time there.
If it's not completely ready, you can remove it for every few days to feel the benefits. Re-download it if you want to use it, and delete it again a few days later.
Extend the "hiatus" from time to time if you are getting used to it, and finally delete the application completely.