How to Set Social Media Boundaries Effectively
Are you someone who starts scrolling through social media before you truly open your eyes in the morning? Do your fingertips gravitate towards your phone while you are still half asleep and your alarm hasn’t started singing yet? Is Instagram or snapchat whispering in your precious dreams, telling you it’s “scrolly time”? You are not alone. I think the temptation to jump on social media first thing in the morning and review all the EXCITING stuff you missed over the last 8 hours is pretty prevalent for most people. It takes a lot of self-control to not scratch that itch first thing in the morning, but by setting small goals and boundaries, we can start our day in a more productive way!
I must say one of the best things I could have done for myself was to create a golden rule for social media: NO SOCIAL MEDIA UNTIL I AM OUT OF BED FOR ONE HOUR. This may seem like a small rule. One hour? easy. You try it! Instead of filling my brain with other people’s perceived happiness, I focus on my own morning happiness. I open my eyes, I usually cuddle up to my husband laying next to me for just a minute or two, sometimes staring at the birds that land about our window sill. The gratitude I feel in this moment is unexplainable. I am thankful to be breathing and thankful for the tangible things I get to start my day with. Is it possible to wake up this grateful and mindful every day? HECK NO. Life is stressful. But why start your day with the added stress and pressures that social media may bring?
I feel it’s important to comb through my own personal thoughts in the morning in order to cleanse any negativity and prioritize a day full of optimism. Here are some tips to get your day started with less social media and increased positivity:
When you turn off your alarm in the morning, set your phone down beside you and reflect on three things you are grateful for in that moment.
Drink a full glass of water to hydrate your mind, body and spirit before you start to get ready for your day.
Set your own personal goal with limits to social media, the news or any other platform that may throw uncertainty, negativity and insecurity your way. (Ex: I am going to complete 3 tasks before checking social media today or I am going to only watch 15 minutes of the news this morning).
If you have time to journal, meditate or exercise in the morning.. DO IT! These activities are proven to kickstart your day in a positive way. If you don’t feel you have the time for these things in the morning, it’s okay! Playing joyful tunes in your car on the way to wherever will definitely set the tone for your day!!!
Your time and energy are precious! Set boundaries!
—Chloe Milani, LCSW