There is no doubt that the Internet and social media sites make our lives easier. Now that learning and working can be done exclusively at home, online platforms are essential tools to encourage productivity. They also allow for increased income and forging stronger connections.

While social media keeps us updated, it can trigger stress and unrest. Filtering the content we look at is essential for maintaining our sanity and peace while scrolling through our feeds. Sometimes, we need to take a break and detox to promote wellness.

 Here are five helpful tips for a healthy social media detox journey:

1. Start A New Morning Habit

Change your morning habits by using an actual alarm clock instead of setting multiple alarms on your phone. Doing so lets you resist the urge to stay in bed longer and browse through various sites.

Start your day right by adopting a morning routine that doesn’t involve social media. You can try preparing a hearty breakfast, watching the sunrise, going for a jog, meditating, or having quiet time. This will make you more aware of your surroundings and how they contribute to relaxation and leisure. For example, future residents of Sentosa in Punta Calamba may enjoy the cool breeze, refreshing thicket of trees, and the quiet suburbia around their home.

2. Shift To A New Hobby

Besides developing morning habits, replace your passive hobby of scrolling through social media sites with a more productive pastime. Take note of how much you spend streaming videos and reacting to various posts. You’ll be surprised at what other activities you can do in the span of your average browsing time.

Try hobbies that awaken your creativity, such as painting, drawing, or writing. Playing musical instruments, taking a walk outside, and trying new recipes are also great for awakening your five senses and engaging your mind.

3. Give Your Devices A Rest

Even devices need a break. For many people who struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, the culprit is usually the overuse of their phones or tablets at night. The blue light emitted by these devices affects your sleeping patterns, keeping you awake and robbing you of your rest.

Schedule a time for how long you’ll use your device. Ideally, it is best to set your devices aside an hour or two before bedtime. Doing so conditions your brain to be in sleep mode. Plus, you’ll also develop the habit of sleeping early and giving yourself the rest your body deserves.

4. Detach From Your Devices

Do you reach for your phone every five minutes or so? You might already have a dependence on your device. To get rid of this habit, detach from your phone by placing it in a different room when working, having meals, or spending time with loved ones. Use the grayscale feature of your phone to make its interface look more unappealing. If you have to use your phone for work, limit your notifications to your email and work chats and turn off the ones for your social media accounts.

5. Delete Your Social Media Apps

If you really want a deep detox, delete your social media applications. Sure, it can be hard to “live under a rock” in terms of updates, but some content might actually trigger your stress and anxiety. Get rid of these toxic effects by deleting apps that may upset you. 

Start by deleting apps that you don’t use often, then move to the ones you spend a lot of time on. Doing so can be challenging, but you’ll eventually break your dependence on your phone and avoid distractions that can be harmful to your wellness.

A social media detox is a form of self-care. You break your reliance on your devices, shut out all distractions, and avoid triggers that may cause you anxiety and stress. Through these five tips, you’ll find more time for yourself, loved ones, and more important activities.

SOURCES:
https://www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/social-media-detox
https://declutterthemind.com/blog/social-media-detox/