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:  BootsNall, Marmalade, Huffington 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:
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