From Cleveland Clinic
If you’re tired of the same old New Year’s resolutions, like working out more or trying to lose weight, we’ve got another idea for you. How about trying a social media detox?
Sure, it may be tough to give up Tic Toc and its weird animal videos or the late updates from far-flung friends on Facebook, but a Cleveland Clinic doctor says that may be just what we need right now.
“Social media is a double-edged sword, it can make you feel very connected to the world around you and at the exact same time make you feel very disconnected from yourself,” says Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Albers says you don’t have to give up social media completely. The research found that spending 30 minutes on social media per day can help reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness. However, anything longer than that could have the opposite effect.
For those who feel like they don’t have the self-control to limit themselves, Dr. Albers has a couple of tips. First, consider turning off all notifications on your phone so you’re not getting constant alerts from your social media accounts. You could also delete the apps completely to avoid any temptation. And finally, try to find other ways to fill your time.
“The number one benefit of reducing your social media time is being more present. It helps you to be more fully engaged and improve the quality of your relationships,” she says.
“It allows you to be more authentic in your day-to-day life and experience things directly instead of through a camera lens.”
She adds that a good option is to make the social media detox a family New Year’s resolution, so everyone takes part.
