28% of our time spent online is spent on social media. (Adweek) A lot of folks got rid of social media for Lent because it’s a distraction. Some are getting avoiding it because of information overload.
I’ve tried avoiding social media, but it’s basically impossible to do when you’re a social media manager. Instead of quitting cold turkey, I’m adjusting my approach to make the time I do spend on social media more effective and enjoyable.
Unfollow/Unfriend: Stay away from the people who constantly cause you to roll your eyes while scrolling. Example: “Friends” from high school, old people with a lot of typos and kids who aren’t old enough to go to the movies alone? No. Nah. Nope. Gotta go. For your own sanity, you have to unfollow the friend who breaks up with their boo once a week, and sends obvious subliminal messages, only to be madly in love the next day. The loved ones who only gossip, and feed off of celebrity drama? Yup, they gotta go too.
Tip: If you want to avoid the “why aren’t we Facebook friends?” drama, unfollow them instead. They still think you’re friends, and you don’t have to see their updates. Everybody wins!
Be Positive: Don’t be a bully, and stop fighting fire with fire. I’m not going to pretend like I don’t love a good, occasional clapback, but a line has to be drawn. Instead of bashing what you hate, share the positive things you love. This can be hard with all the fake politicians and undercover racists lurking around, but it’s okay to be the bigger person. Example: Instead of making fun of other religious beliefs, share posts about why you love the religion you practice. Don’t confuse this with sharing posts telling followers why you THINK your religion is better than theirs.
Unplug: Sometimes the best way to manage your social media intake is by simply putting your phone down. It won’t stop people from voicing the opinions no one asked them for, and it won’t stop bad things from happening, but it does give your brain a break. Tips: Delete the apps from your phone to make your accounts less accessible. Also try sticking to a schedule. Set aside an hour aside strictly for social media, instead of spending every free second scrolling and liking. Email any interesting posts or videos to yourself, so you won’t have to go back on social media to find them.
Personally, I like to meditate before responding to texts or checking my email/social media accounts. You have to clear your mind before letting so many opinions into your mental space. When I’m really on my A-Game, I write a list of goals or tasks I need to accomplish for the day before using my phone. If you’re looking for a few activities to add to your morning routine, other than checking your phone, check out this XO Necole article.
Follow Like Minded People/Brands: After you unfollow the toxic people, you’re going to need new entertainment on your newsfeed and timelines. Follow people you admire, not envy. Be influenced by people actually living in their purpose, not the folks just posting sparkly inspirational quotes. Example: One of my goals for 2016 is to learn more about chakras, so, I started to follow more spiritual women who practice meditation. (These women are also making money off what they’re good at and love, which is a bonus!)
What do you do when you need a social media break? Do you stick to a social media schedule? Let’s chat in the comments, or tweet me!
I’m all for being positive on social media. I used to spend so much of my time being negative and it makes me cringe just thinking back to it!
Seriously! I get so embarrassed when my TimeHop reminds me how annoying I was. At least we’ve grown! -Ace
UNPLUG! This was my word for the weekend. I totally avoided anything having to do with work and just focused on refreshing my forever business spinning brain. Unplugging is totally underrated. Made me feel so much better when I hope online for work this AM.
I unplugged during Christmas, and it was amazing. Sometimes a pen and paper are all I need. Thank you for reading! -Ace
SUCH GREAT TIPS! Personally, I’m not really into social media but I need it for my blog and work. But I feel the exact same as you. Sometimes, it’s just nice to unplug!!
I hear ya! Even using it for work can be overwhelming, but unplugging to clear the mind makes it so much better! Thank you for reading! -Ace
I’m about to start giving myself a social media schedule of times when I can and can’t get on. I think that will help me a lot because it will give me some more direction. I have unfollowed a lot of people on FB and it really helped me be in a better mood!
Autumn recently posted…4 months after my Ancestry.com DNA results
We lose time, regardless if it’s for work or play. A little balance never hurt nobody! Thank you for reading! -Ace
Great ideas! I like your spin on who to follow on social media. I’m all about changes for the good. I also unfollow rather than unfriend 🙂
Shann Eva recently posted…Mid Month Check, February
Thank you! I like my sanity, but I don’t like hurting people’s feelings. Haha -Ace
hahah I love this!! Especially the Beyonce gif! too funny!! It’s so true, though. Social media is an important aspect of blogging, but since you don’t want to spend your whole life on it, it’s important to optimize your time – & that means not following annoying people! haha great post 🙂
~Mattie
http://www.mattiesmakings.com
Haha, Bey is my boo! Thank you for reading! I’m going to have to check out your blogger resources too. -Ace
I know, we sone dos much time on social media it isn’t even entertaining anymore! Unfollow is a savior to me, really keep my newsfeed clean. Thanks for sharing some wonderful tips here, especially meditate before responding.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Unfollowing is a major key to social media sanity success! Thank you for reading! -Ace
These are great tips! I try and unplug every so often, at least once a day. When I unplug I feel better and use that time to workout and be with my boyfriend.
I need more hobbies that don’t involve my phone…like working out haha. Thanks for reading!
-Ace
I wholeheartedly agree with posting about the positive and being less critical. My FB newsfeed was getting pretty miserable lately so I stopped following people who bitch and moan all the time!
Seriously. Every action doesn’t need a social media reaction! Some things we need to deal with offline. Thank you for reading. -Ace
I don’t think people realize how important it is to unplug sometimes. We’re so dependent on the internet and our phones that we forget to take some time to ourselves. And don’t get me started on the negativity.. ugh LOL!
Sometimes I sit and think, “what did I do before my smart phone and reality TV?” ? But I really do think social media can be resourceful, fun & inspiring–when done the right way! -Ace
some great tips! I aim to unplug always when I am with my family in the evenings!
I try to unplug with my family, and I make comments like, “Sooo, are we going to stay on our phones all night, or act like we love each other?” Haha
-Ace
I have a friend who had to quit Facebook because it gave her anxiety. I thought, you know you control whose posts you see? I’m all for unfriending negativity!
I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. ? In my 10+ years on Facebook, I’ve deactivated twice! Thanks for reading!
-Ace
I unplug periodically when I am fasting and need to focus on something important. Great tips. By the way, love the blog name!
Thank you for reading! I’ve been thinking about fasting, but I need to make sure I incorporate social media in this fast too.
-Ace
I have this horrible issue of the same girl sneaking her way back onto my friends list when my guard is down only to remind me why I unfriended her in the first… sigh…
She gotta go. BLOCK! Or report her if she’s really crossing the line. She’ll never know it’s you. Lol
Such a unique post about unplugging! Very relatable! Touched some very good points! I unplug by writing, my only outlet these days! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading! Writing is my go-to as well! -Ace
Okay, that’s it. This weekend those Facebook “friends” from high school gotta go. Making the time to cleanse is the difficult part!
Yes my friend, it is time to part ways. ?
Ahahaha! Love the gif!
I’ve been on a blocking spree on Facebook lately too!
Especially with Facebook’s new mobile version for videos where I can find more videos by practically doing nothing, messed up videos pop up….
Haha! I use that “Girl, Bye” gif whenever I can. Thank you for reading!
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
These are great ideas! And I love the Beyonce gif 😉 I think it’s important to stay positive and not compare yourself too much to others on social media.
That’s one of my favorite gifs! 🙂 Social media can definitely be overwhelming. Might as well stay positive! -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
YES!!! These are all so valid, and often times SO overlooked!!! they’re also simple- like not following people who make you roll your eyes lol i love that!!!
i find for myself personally, it is important to do something for ME before I check emails in the morning. Otherwise I feel like I wake up and start my day catering to others schedule / wants!
haley
http://www.freebirdfashion.org
Exactly! And when I start my morning “catering to other people” I get annoyed, and then that’s another story. Haha -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
These are great tips. I wish more people would follow them – I am surprised at certain things I see on social media!
Sometimes I’m like, “did I really just see that?” Everything doesn’t deserve a post!
-Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
I 100% agree with being positive on social media. Everyone doesn’t need to know the nitty gritty business of our lives
I used to be friends with folks who were posting every single part of their day on Facebook. Over-sharing does exist. -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
Much needed advice, like seriously.
Thank you for reading! -Ace
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I got through a regular process of getting rid of people on facebook and twitter. I find it very cathartic.
Haha. I think I need to do that again pretty soon too. Thank you for reading! -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
Yes, I think it’s important to “unplug” too… and I make a point to never say anything negative on other people’s post…. I try to be positive – I’m not perfect…. but I don’t think it’s right to be negative on posts! Thanks for this insight!
Exactly! Even if you don’t agree with the post, there’s a way to voice your opinion without being negative. Thank you for reading. -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
social media can be so draining specially with all the negativity going on but you gave good tips ! “unfollow/unfriend” oh man I know who you’re talking about !
http://veilbymaryam.com/2016/02/are-introverts-antisocial/
It can be draining! That’s why I have to meditate before even checking social media. Thank you for reading. -Ace
The Palmetto Peaches recently posted…Don’t Waste Your Time on Social Media
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