Disconnect to Reconnect: The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Social Media
As a health coach or nutritionist, you understand the importance of using social media as part of a marketing strategy for your business, but it’s also important to set boundaries, so it doesn’t end up taking up more time than it should.
If you find that that social media has become too time consuming or you want ideas on how to be more intentional with your strategy, this episode is for you.
Here’s what we’re diving into:
- The importance of setting boundaries around social media as a way freeing up hours in your schedule each week
- A simple mindset shift that you can embrace to help you deprioritize social media in your life and replace it with things and people that bring you joy
- 5 simple ways for you to be more intentional with the amount of time you do, and do not, spend on social media
Before we dive into our how-to tips let’s first talk about a shift in perspective or a mindset shift that will hopefully help you see things differently.
One potential mindset shift when it comes to setting boundaries around social media is to view it as a tool to enhance your life, rather than a source of constant distraction or entertainment.
Instead of feeling obligated to constantly check notifications or compare yourself to others online, you can choose to use social media in a mindful and intentional way that aligns with your values and priorities.
This can involve setting specific limits on usage, being intentional about who you follow and what content you engage with and taking regular breaks from social media to disconnect and prioritize other aspects of your life.
By reframing your relationship with social media in this way, you can reduce its negative impacts and use it as a positive tool for connection and self-expression.
We know that social media can be a great marketing tool for your business, but you just don’t want to spend hours on it every day, mindlessly scrolling through feed after feed on different platforms.
So, let’s talk about 5 simple ways to set boundaries around social media to increase your free time.
1. Limit the amount of time spent on social media each day: Decide on a specific amount of time that you will spend on social media daily and stick to it. Most phones have tracking apps that can help you stay on top of how much time you’re spending on social. Being intentional by setting a specific amount of time each day and sticking to it works well for breaking the never-ending cycle. A helpful way to do this is to schedule your posts ahead of time – ideally 30 days in advance, and that way, you can feel at ease knowing you’re all set with your posts, and you don’t HAVE to be on social media every single day.
2. Turn off notifications: This helps to minimize distractions and avoid the urge to check your phone constantly.
3. Set specific times for checking social media: Choose specific times during the day for checking and responding to social media notifications instead of constantly checking throughout the day.
4. Unfollow or mute accounts that cause negativity or stress: Surround yourself with positive and uplifting content to maintain a healthy and positive mindset, as well as accounts that offer helpful and constructive information. If you think about it, you get to curate your social media experience based on who you follow, so be selective about who you let into your world – in real life or online.
5. Take breaks from social media: Regularly take breaks from social media to disconnect and engage in other activities such as reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Many of our mentors take 1-2 week breaks from social media throughout the year. I haven’t ever done myself, but I do find it much easier to take breaks when I’m traveling, doing other things or enjoying nature. I usually take one weekend day without any social media – it’s not easy, but I always feels better when I unplug from it.
There you have it, 5 simple ways for you to set boundaries around social media to increase your free time. I think we’re always looking for more time in our day and when you set boundaries around social media, you’ll more than likely find that pocket of time that you’ve been looking for.
Subscribe and listen to The Wellness Business Podcast on your favorite platform!
