Reclaiming Your Time: A Three-Step Guide to Quitting Social Media
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Chapter 1: The Wake-Up Call
Are you spending excessive hours online? Do you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through feeds? If so, it might be time to take back your time and attention. You deserve more than just endless scrolling; your life is too precious to waste.
Understanding the finite nature of our time on this planet is crucial. Recently, I encountered a thought-provoking video that highlighted just how little time we truly have. If you haven’t seen it yet, it could change your perspective on time management.
In the past, I would squander countless hours on Instagram and YouTube. These platforms became my go-to activities during downtime. I would watch videos while eating, check the news as soon as I woke up, and lounge with friends, all of us glued to our screens.
Eventually, I reached a breaking point.
I took a hard look at my habits, reflecting on my time usage. I began journaling, pouring my thoughts onto the page until my hand ached. I wrote about what genuinely brought me joy, the things that mattered to me, and the negative impact my phone had on my mental well-being. After hours of mindless scrolling, I often felt unproductive and disconnected from my loved ones. Social media fostered a sense of loneliness.
It was time for a change.
Section 1.1: Going Cold Turkey
After reading my journal entries, I was furious with myself. I couldn't believe I had wasted so much time when I had so many aspirations. I often complained about having no time, but the truth was, I needed to create it.
Everyone has 24 hours in a day; it’s how we choose to spend them that sets us apart. I decided to remove all social media apps from my phone.
The initial days were challenging; I instinctively reached for my phone, craving that instant gratification, only to realize nothing was there. It felt like an addict seeking out a fix.
While I wish I could say I never reinstalled Instagram and YouTube, that’s not the case. Both apps found their way back onto my phone within a week. However, I proved to myself that I could go a whole week without social media. If I managed one week, I could strive for two.
The first video titled "How to Quit Social Media: Your Step-by-Step Guide" provides an insightful approach to reclaiming your time from social media distractions.
Section 1.2: Limiting Screen Time and App Usage
Realizing I couldn’t just delete all my apps, I sought alternative methods to curb my screen time. Fortunately, I discovered an app named Opal. (I have no affiliation with them.)
Opal allows you to block specific apps for designated periods. I experimented until I created a schedule that limited my social media usage to just four hours each evening. This strategy helped me avoid checking my phone first thing in the morning and eliminated mindless scrolling before bed, greatly enhancing my sleep quality and overall well-being.
Over time, this system significantly reduced my screen time. I became desensitized to the urge to scroll and could focus on activities that truly mattered to me. In fact, I rediscovered my childhood passion for reading and now consume over 25 books each year.
The second video, "Quitting social media is easy, actually," reinforces the idea that breaking free from social media is not only possible but can be liberating.
Chapter 2: Fine-Tuning the System
The first step demonstrated I could survive without social media. The second allowed me to create a framework to minimize my usage, and the third step involves refining that system.
I began implementing new rules to further decrease my phone usage and reclaim my time. Here are three strategies I've adopted:
- Whenever I find myself mindlessly scrolling, I read a page from the book I'm currently enjoying.
- I turned off all unnecessary notifications, including those from social media and news apps. Now, my phone only alerts me for texts and calls.
- I invested in a physical alarm clock and removed my phone from my bedroom at night, allowing me to read before sleeping instead of scrolling.
Although I’ve successfully reduced my screen time, I'm continuously looking for more ways to optimize my habits. If you have suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Social media can take a toll on your valuable time—time that is irreplaceable.
The graph from the TEDx talk referenced earlier illustrates how much time the average 18-year-old has left. Unfortunately, for many of us, that number may be much smaller than we’d like to think.
Stop squandering precious moments on mindless scrolling and focus on what truly matters. Use my three-step system to break free from the addiction cycle and reclaim your time. You deserve it.
I’ve written extensively about the impact of social media on our lives, and if you’re interested, you can check out other articles on this topic.
My name is Anže. Through my experiences as an athlete, I aim to share insights that can help you lead a fulfilling life. Follow me (Anže Ferš Eržen) to stay updated on my latest stories.