“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” Viktor E. Frankl
I noticed lately as a newbie to social media that it was becoming too much of a habit. I left my phone at home one day and I started to feel very anxious without it, like I was missing a part of ME. I started to question my usage and I was surprised to find that we Irish can check our smartphones apparently on average up to 57 times a day (Deloitte Survey, 2017). I asked myself how can that be and how had I survived before I had social media in my life? Well I did survive it, that was just the point. So I decided to put these 5 daily steps in place for myself to curb my over dependency on social media and I want to share them with you if you feel you need to cut back a little and find some balance.
1. Limit your usage
Try to allocate just a small number of hours a day usage. Viewing 1 hour after you wake up, to give yourself time to relax into the day, then at noon and in the evening time. Then switch it off.
2. What you post
Be mindful of what you post, what you reveal and it's impact on others. Using your posts to inform, educate and benefit others.
3. Awareness
Try this simple exercise of noticing how you feel each time you go on-line to view. If you start to experience any negativity, inadequacy or envy, or you are just looking to be validated, then it may be time to switch off for a while.
4. Switch off social media at meal-times/travel time and switch on to others
At meal times try to eat more mindfully allowing your body to rest and digest your food. When travelling start to observe your environment and tune into how you feel in the present moment, breathing slowly and mindfully.
5. Switch off 1 hr. before and during bedtime
Not just social media but all electronic devices from your bedroom. Try this for one night. Notice that when you give yourself space from stimulus activation, how your sleep patterns can improve, giving your mind and body a break. If you want to try this long term, you can invest in an alarm clock.