In a day and age where everybody is on their phones, there is a massive need to limit to social media. Social media takes away from our time to be productive and focus on things that are more important in life. However, by setting time limits, we can get this precious time back.
Each and everyone of us likely spends hours every single day wasting time on social media. However, many people need social media to run their business or connect with friends. But, there are also a multitude of people who get lost in the algorithm and only waste time.
This wasted time is often the cause for us not reaching our goals. In order to reach our goals, we must be efficient with our time.
Why Limit Social Media?
The advent of social media has helped millions of people. We have been able to share life events with family, connect with high school friends, and spread messages of love and joy. However, there is also a dark side.
While there are so many good things that have come from social media, it can be a massive time waster. The companies who create social media applications specifically designed them for you to continuously use them.
Through engaging content and showing you what you want to see, they keep you coming back for more.
All of us have been sucked in to spending hours scrolling on our phones. These hours that have been wasted can instead be spent doing things that push us closer to our goals.
Although, it is important to step away and unplug from constantly working, many of us continue to complain that we do not have enough time. This is often clouded by the fact that we are spending hours on social media.
However, if you limit social media you can gain all of those hours back! These hours are precious and critical if you are not in a position that you want to be in. These are the hours that can change your life.
How Many Hours Am I Spending?
But how do you know how many hours you are spending every day on these apps? This can be difficult to figure out. But if we want to limit social media we must first measure how many hours you are spending.
The good part is, this is made simple with modern technology. Apple has a feature on its iPhone that tracks how much time you spend on each app.
First, if you first navigate to the “Settings” app on your phone you can begin this process. From there scroll down to the section that says “Screen Time”.
The first screen will give you a high-level overview of how many hours you were spending on your phone. In the event you want to understand which apps you were using, press “See All Activity”.
This section will give you a detailed breakdown of all the time you were spending on your apps. This will quickly shed light on why you need to limit social media.
Time Limits – How to Limit Social Media
Furthermore, analyze which apps you spend the most time on. For many people, these apps are going to be social media-based. Write down which apps fall within your top three.
Second, ask yourself if you really need to be using these apps all day long? Are you using them for business or are you using them for leisure?
You will be amazed how easy it is to limit social media when you understand which apps are taking up your time. If they are not adding value to your life, you need to limit them.
Finally, the absolute best way to limit your social media is through time limits. Time limits allow you to set a specified amount of time for you to use apps.
After you pressed the “Screen Time” button under “Settings”, there is another button called “App Limits”. Turn this on and pick the apps you want to limit.
These are very similar to TV limits back in the day. Many of us remember setting limits for children on the amount of TV they can watch. Now it is time to do it for yourself!
Time Limits Create Discipline
Yes – you need this discipline. If you are not happy about the progress you are making towards your goals, you need to set time limits. Time limits create structure. Furthermore, they give you time back!
Do you wish you had more time to make progress towards your goals? You have tried everything besides understanding where your time actually goes. When you limit social media, and set time limits, you are now able to track your attention.
As you know, your time is valuable. You need to be disciplined. You need to be putting in work. However, you cannot do this with out some discipline.
Limiting your social media creates the discipline and structure you need to be successful!
You Have Your Time Back – Now What?
So, you have your time back… now what? You have an extra 2 hours in your day. The question is, what do you do with it?
First, do not start filling that time with other apps. Now, you have limited your social media, you do not want to start using other apps. Do not break your discipline! In other words, keep your time limits!
Although, your iPhone allows you to override the limits with a password, don’t do it! Above all, you are the one making the decisions. You are in charge!
Second, look at your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Although you now have more time, they way you use it is important. For example, if you need to start a new morning routine or fix your budget, you can use this time.
On the other hand, using it for a side business or a side hobby is another option (arts and crafts anyone?). It is your choice. However, if you want to get ahead, you need to be productive with it.
Furthermore, when you limit social media, you can spend time with your family. Family is so important! Using this new found time for them can change your relationships for the better.
Social Media – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Social media can be a powerful tool. However, it is also destructive. More dreams and goals have been ruined by social media than anything else in the modern era. But, you are going to stop this!
You set time limits, monitor your activity, and limit social media. You have a plan. Now, it is time to execute.
You can use this time for good. To get better. To learn a new skill. Even set new goals. This is your life. Make the most of the time here by limiting social media and living life to the fullest!
Live Simple Now is a lifestyle website dedicated to helping those looking to Live Their Best Life! Feel free to email us at livesimple@livesimplenow.com with comments, questions, article topics or submissions. We publish two articles each week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along on Facebook.