Finding Balance: A Journey to Reduce Social Media and Smartphone Use
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Chapter 1: The Need for Change
In 2018, I embarked on a month-long digital decluttering experiment in January, which proved to be incredibly challenging. The initial struggle to disconnect from digital devices and the internet was eye-opening, revealing how little these distractions truly contributed to my productivity. Despite my newfound clarity, I reverted to my old habits shortly after the month ended.
In recent years, smartphone and social media usage has surged, potentially affecting our lives in unexpected ways. While some impacts may be positive, others can be detrimental. I've noticed a decline in my sleep quality recently, primarily due to work-related stress and personal issues. However, a deeper reflection suggested that my incessant consumption of information was also a significant factor.
I spent excessive amounts of time scrolling through tweets, watching YouTube videos, and reading every message in my various WhatsApp groups. It became clear that I needed to make some changes to regain control over my time and mental space.
Section 1.1: Steps to Curb Social Media Use
To reduce my social media exposure, I implemented several strategies. Initially, I logged out of Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, which helped decrease my time spent on these platforms. Upon reviewing my screen time, I realized that most of my usage was concentrated on Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Google Sheets.
Twitter (X): I logged out of Twitter two weeks ago, and surprisingly, I don't miss it at all.
YouTube: I deleted the YouTube app from my phone. Occasionally, I access YouTube through my browser, but this has become a rare occurrence as I strive to avoid it entirely.
WhatsApp: I muted all group chats. Although I used to read every message, my replies were minimal. Since muting the notifications, my usage has significantly decreased; however, I still rely on WhatsApp for day-to-day communication.
Google Sheets: I found myself frequently checking my investment portfolio, even though I knew there wouldn't be any changes. Now, I limit my checks to once after 3:30 PM.
Subsection 1.1.1: Reducing Smartphone Dependence
I began leaving my phone behind when it wasn’t essential, such as during school drop-offs or when taking a brief walk around my apartment. This simple act of not having my phone on hand helped reduce my urge to check it constantly.
At home, I also made an effort to keep my phone away from my workspace. The proximity of my phone often led to mindless browsing, which wasted my time. Although I considered switching to an analog phone, I ultimately decided against it, as I still needed to access important communications and emails.
Section 1.2: Adjusting My Daily Routine
I started winding down my activities by 8:30 PM, shutting off work and smartphone distractions. This allowed me to relax with some casual TV watching and catch up on the evening news. I aim to sleep by 9:45 PM or 10 PM and refrain from picking up my phone until after 10 AM the next morning.
On weekends, I enjoy reading weekly magazines at a leisurely pace, focusing on current affairs and spending quality time with my family. I once had an insatiable desire to read numerous self-help and personal development books. However, I found more joy in reading biographies and stories about people's lives. These narratives resonate more deeply with me, as they reflect the unpredictability of real life.
Chapter 2: Embracing New Habits
I have started journaling more, utilizing the time I saved from reduced screen use. Additionally, I have resumed walking for half an hour daily, an activity I had neglected. The mornings are particularly pleasant for a stroll, and I find the experience refreshing.
I also began singing for my own enjoyment rather than for an audience.
In summary, my screen time has significantly decreased in recent weeks. While I'm unsure how long I can maintain this, I am committed to minimizing my usage without missing out on important connections.
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