How To Manage Social Media Consumption

Since we’re in the thick of the holiday season, I wanted to address something that I feel many struggle with but don’t actually talk about. That thing is social media consumption, also known as how much time and energy you’re spending on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. 

I’m a Content Creator and Social Media Manager, so you probably wouldn’t expect to hear me say that you should take some time away from social media this holiday season. But I just did, and it’s the truth! 

I work on many sets of social media accounts, so setting boundaries is super important for me when it comes to my social media usage. Otherwise, in my experience, it definitely starts to take a toll on me both physically and mentally. I end up feeling guilty for being on my phone so much, especially when it interferes with spending time with the people I love. 

Here are a few tips I’ve learned to help you keep up with social media, without overdoing it this holiday season. I hope you find them helpful too. 

Set Limits

One thing that makes managing my social media consumption a breeze is scheduling when and for how long I will be on it each day. For my clients, it’s crucial to engage with other accounts, so I give myself a limited amount of time each day to do that. In addition, I give myself a set amount of time to look for inspiration for new content, whether for me or my clients. 

Of course there are days where things don’t go as planned, and I’m on social media longer than I want to be. However, I think having these parameters in place is a good way to curb additional social media usage, without really thinking about it. 

In addition, I try to plan ahead, so that I don’t have to be on social media very much during the weekends or evenings. Again, does this always happen? No, but keeping myself aware of my social media usage helps me to manage it.

Remember to Create More Than You Consume

My best work as a Content Creator and Social Media Manager has come from my own creative mind, and more than likely your biggest successes on social media will too. Things like Trending Audio and TikTok Challenges can get you in front of more people for sure, but at least some of your content should be original to you. 

Feeling like you’re in a creative rut when it comes to your content? Stop doom scrolling, and get back out in the world. Go someplace you’ve never been before, pick up a new book, do a creative photoshoot with friends just for fun, etc. If you’re feeling really stuck, maybe plan a long weekend getaway.

Out Of Sight, Out of Mind

If you feel like you seriously cannot stop checking your phone, make it as inconvenient as possible for you to check it. Put your phone in another room, turn it off or have a friend hide it somewhere you’d never guess (this last one is a joke, but also not the worst idea haha). 

Do what you need to do on social media, and then put your phone away. That way it probably won’t even cross your mind, and you can be present for the people around you.

Don’t Let Your First & Last Thought of the Day Be About Social Media

This is a habit I’m working on breaking. For the longest time when I woke up in the morning, the first thing I would do is grab my phone, and check notifications on all social media platforms. There’s nothing wrong with doing that, but I realized that I didn’t like that my first and last thought of the day was social media. 

Now, however, my ideal morning routine goes something like this. Allow myself to slowly get up, pour myself a glass of water, say good morning/feed my dog and then write out my to-do list for the day. Then, I make coffee, make my bed, brush my teeth and hair and take my dog outside. It’s so much more calming than my previous routine, and I find myself thinking about how I’m feeling that day versus how many people liked that post I put up for my client last night.