5 Ways to Create Healthy Social Media Boundaries

October 10, 2021

Do you find yourself comparing your body and life to someone else online that’s completely out of your reality? Do you constantly refresh your likes when you post a photo? Or scroll through the list of people who’s viewed your stories? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it might be time to set some social media boundaries.

Below is a list of 5 ways you can create healthy boundaries with social media.

1. Set time limits

Be mindful about the time you spend on social media. Before you open the app, think about the reason why you’re going on. Is it to check your notifications? See what your friends are up to? Get inspiration? Whatever it may be, be mindful at the get go and set an alarm on your phone if you need to in order to ‘stop the scroll.’

2. Unfollow/put people on mute

Take advantage of all the features the app you’re using has. Unfollow those accounts that leave you feeling bad about yourself after spending time on them. Put people on mute if you have to. Turn off notifications so you’re not constantly being notified to open the app.

3. Only contribute in a positive way

Everyone always has something to say online and most of the time it’s negative. Challenge the negativity you see online by responding in a positive manner, commenting positive things, and approaching everything you see with an open perspective.

4. Focus on your surroundings and your real-life connections

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone while there’s people around you, push yourself to put the phone down and engage in real-life conversations. Instead of looking at beautiful photos online, take mental images of the beauty that surrounds you.

5. Create an intentional self-care routine

Find activities that make you happy and fill your time with your own routine. The more time you spend nourishing your mind, body, and spirit, the lighter you’ll feel.