SOCIAL MEDIA

January 5, 2015

3 Tips for Juggling Social Media and Real Life


I think we are all guilty to some degree with social media addiction. It's become the society we live in. We check our phones constantly to see how many likes we are getting on our latest posts, we scroll through our emails, Facebook or Twitter feed many times throughout the day. We are obsessed with selfies, outfits, cute pets, and pretty foods on Instagram.  But if not treated with kit gloves, social media can be detrimental to our health as well as our daily lives.

Personally, I am one that believes Social Media is one of the greatest forms of communication in human history.  It connects people, their values, ideas and mutual understanding more than ever before. It provides rapid information for networks and promotes our freedom of self expression. As a blogger, social media is essential for connecting with our readers, growing our blogs and gaining brand recognition. It's our job and I truly love it! Even then, we still need to maintain a healthy balance between social media and being present with those we love.

 Here are 3 things you can do to create a happy balance between social media and being present:


1. Create a social media schedule.  

Set aside specific times for catching up on social media. We all have schedules for when we go to work, eat dinner, exercise and when we sleep. Allow an extra hour in the morning or before going to bed for your news feeds. Limit yourself to those specific times and try to avoid checking your phone multiple times throughout the day (obviously you are exempt if your day job involves social media or you're a blogger).



2. Limit your social media networks. 

There are hundreds of social media networks out there. Choose only the networks that you enjoy the most. You do not need to join every single social media outlet to get the most exposure for your blog. If you hate Facebook, then try Instagram. Just remember that whatever networks you choose, you must keep them updated or you will risk losing followers.

On a personal level, limit the amount of "friends" you have on Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. The less friends you follow, the easier it will be to keep up on what everyone else is doing. Clean up your feed; unfriend or unlike pages that are no longer relevant to your life. If this task is too daunting, then consider removing these social media sites from your phone. You can scroll through your favorite feeds from your computer or tablet later.


photos:  BootsNallMarmaladeHuffington Post, GlamVolution

3. Unplug.  Completely.  

This is a biggie. At the end of the day when you're home, put down your phone and put away your computer. Focus completely on your family.  Listen to your kids, play with  your dog or go for a walk with your spouse.  If you're going out to dinner with your spouse, leave your phone at home or keep it in your purse.  Really spend time and always be present to enjoy those special moments that life brings you.

So how do you manage your time on social media? I would love to hear your tips and advice!

Linked up with these fabulous ladies:
More Pieces of Me, On the Daily Express, Style to Inspire


Thank you so much for stopping by!

12 comments :

  1. Great tips Monica! I know I'm guilty of "over-checking" my phone. :)
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  2. Great tips on social media! I am guilty of checking mine trillion times a day LOL. I try to carve 5 min here 10 min there in between the days responsibilities. :) Totally agree with you social media is such a great way to connect quickly. Happy New Year, XOXO, Elif

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  3. I agree completely with this post. The other night my family went out to dinner. Our rule is: Go ahead and get the picture taking out of the way. Then put all devices away and lets talk to each other. This is only the rule when we dine in restaurants. After all, don't we all enjoy snapping pics of our delicous plates of food for Instagram? But for home eating...No phones allowed!

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  4. Hi Carylee! I think it's great that you squeeze in that 45 minutes for SM on your commute and then unplug at dinner, he needs to focus on driving anyway, haha! Thanks so much for stoping by, Carylee! xo

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  5. Hi Glenda! I love your idea of photos first, then put phones away! This is one rule that I really want to stick to ;) Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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  6. Thank you, Elif! I'm so happy you stopped by! xo

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  7. Thank you, Debbie! I am guilty too! One of our kids pointed out during the holidays that we all tend to look at our phones during valuable family time, which made me sad because she was right. During dinner at a restaurant almost all of us had our phones out, so she inspired me to change that! Thanks for stopping by! xo

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  8. Great post! I really need to work on #2 and #3.
    Stephanie
    Positively Stephanie

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  9. I definitely need to work on unplugging completely. I'm good at not sitting in front on my computer, but putting my phone down and disconnecting is definitely something I struggle with. Thanks for your list and it's something that I'm going to work on.

    XO, Jaime
    RegallySoled.com

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  10. This is all so true! I have been saying that I need to "clean up my feed" at the start of the year. I also love number 3 - I have been trying to set my phone by the door when I come home or when I am not working. I need to be more strict about that this year!

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  11. Happy New Year, Monica!! I plead guilty on all accounts but I am working on it. :)

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Thank you so much for your comment! I read each and everyone of them, your support means the world to me. Xo, Monica