How To Enjoy Life More and Spend Less Time on Social Media

The moment a new study or poll comes out about the impact of social media on our lives, it seems like the news is always bleak. Yet, it's hard to ignore the fact that most of us spend hours scrolling through newsfeeds and stories every day. Whether it's for running a business or just for personal enjoyment, we all want to find ways to set aside our phones and focus on how to enjoy life more and spend less time on social media.

In addition to the time we lose, numerous studies show that spending too much time on social media can hurt our mental and physical well-being. We're all aware of this information, but breaking a habit that has become so deeply ingrained in our culture is a challenge, especially since our brains seem to crave it almost instinctively.

There's no denying that social media has its benefits, but it also comes with its downsides. Even if we're bombarded with notifications and ads for products, we have no interest in, we've become accustomed to this constant noise.

For many of us, the days before social media and cell phones feel like a distant memory. It's hard to imagine life without these constant demands and interruptions. Multiple studies have shown that the average person spends three to six hours looking at their phone each day.

So, what is the impact of excessive screen time on our brains? Numerous scientific studies have shown that using social media can have negative effects. Let's take a look at some strategies to reduce the time we spend on our phones.

How can we use screens less often?

• Start by keeping track of the time you spend on social media and take note of which apps you use the most. Understanding your usage patterns can help you make intentional changes. Pay attention to the moments when you feel the urge to use your phone

• Reduce drastically the number of times we visit social media. Social media platforms are designed to activate our brain's reward system, which can lead to a dependence on them. It's similar to how a smoker craves tobacco. To address this, it's important to get to the root of the issue rather than just treating the symptoms. Understanding why we feel the need to use social media is key to changing our behavior. 

• On social media platforms, consider using the mute or unfollow function to limit your exposure to content that drains your energy. Keep your phone on silent to avoid constant notifications. This allows you to check the app on your terms. 

• If you find yourself reaching for your phone when you're bored, anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected, it's important to recognize this pattern.

• Instead of turning to social media for comfort, take a short break to practice meditation or engage in another calming activity. While it's common to seek distractions when feeling low, mindlessly scrolling through social media may not improve your mood in the long run.

• Practice Self-soothing. Self-soothing involves using techniques to manage your emotions during difficult times. For most people, relying on social media for self-soothing may not be effective. Taking a few moments for mindful breathing or a leisurely walk is more likely to uplift your mood and bring a sense of peace.

• Give your connections more depth. Make plans to meet in person or have a meaningful conversation with someone you miss. Even in our screen-dominated world, putting effort into scheduling a face-to-face meeting can be incredibly rewarding.

• Turn your focus elsewhere. Why not use your itchy fingers to do something practical for a friend or neighbor when you're lounging around the house? By so doing you will brighten their day and encourage social interaction.

• Refrain from examining social media the moment you wake up. Rather, concentrate on starting your day off well by doing things that are important to you.

What is the Benefit of Spending Less Time on Social Media? 

• Numerous studies have found that reducing the amount of time spent on social media can have a positive impact on mental health. Research suggests that individuals who limit their social media use to just 30 minutes a day experience a reduction in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the fear of missing out. This, in turn, can lead to increased overall happiness and well-being.

• Moreover, cutting back on social media consumption can free up extra time for engaging in activities like cooking, exercising, reading, or acquiring new skills. 

• By reallocating the time spent on social media, you can nurture deeper connections with friends and loved ones, thereby emphasizing the quality of interactions over the number of virtual connections. 

• Additionally, reducing social media usage can help manage overwhelming feelings often associated with constant updates, notifications, and comparisons, ultimately leading to decreased stress levels and an improved mental state.

The impact of social media on our lives has both benefits and downsides. It is important to reduce social media use through alternative activities such as meditation, face-to-face interactions, and helping others.

By doing this we improve our mental health, increase overall happiness, and well-being, as well as the opportunity to develop deeper connections and reduce stress levels.