I’ve never been big on resolutions in the new year because I think they can be hard to maintain. I’m a big believer in making positive changes in your life but there’s something about conjuring up a long list of resolutions once the clock strikes midnight that instantly feels unattainable. If you try to be too drastic too quickly, I don’t think that always instills long-lasting habits and changes. This time of year, I try to really reflect on little ways I can improve my day-to-day life that can be maintained over the long term.
The last few months of 2018 for me felt like I was completely floating through life. Like everyone else in the world, I had so much going on which is great, but when you sprinkle in all the commitments of the holiday season on top it can feel completely daunting to get through it all. By November, I was already feeling like I was struggling to get through the day and get everything done. I have really bad back and neck problems and I’ve noticed that stress makes these problems even worse, oftentimes to the point that I can’t even concentrate on anything because I’m in so much pain. The first promise I’m fulfilling this year is to take better care of myself. I finally scheduled a visit to the chiropractor and I’m incredibly excited for my first visit next week!
I’m going a little off topic, but I’m basically trying to explain how foggy my brain has felt as of late in all areas of my life.
When I get stressed out, I notice that many times I’ll mindlessly grab for my phone and just start endlessly scrolling. I don’t have nearly enough time to spend on all these different social media apps, but it’s almost become like second nature and a weird comfort zone to temporarily distract me from the daily stressors of life. However, I would just keep scrolling and scrolling but never feeling any less stressed. It was getting so bad that I was even telling my mom on an almost daily basis “I’m addicted to my phone”. I’ve been having trouble sleeping, concentrating, and getting my work done for months.
About two months ago, I turned on that nice little function on my iPhone where you can limit your screen time on different apps. I applied it to my social media apps in hopes that it would be the kick in the butt I needed to limit my screen time. It helped a tiny bit, but there’s a pretty easy function where you can toggle off getting locked out of your social media apps. I found myself clicking the button that says “add 15 minutes of time” every time I reached my limit.
Clearly, nothing was working. I started reminiscing on the time from late 2012-2015 that I didn’t once click on the Facebook app on my phone and how glorious it was! This was more-so because I didn’t want to see what some college bullies were up to, but once I stopped logging on I had totally forgotten about it and was able to focus and hunker down on achieving my goals. I regret the day I ever logged back on to my Facebook because ever since I haven’t been able to stop.
The Simple Change
Joe and I did a lot of traveling at the end of December and I literally had no time to spend on my phone because we were so busy. It was the most incredible refresh. It really got me thinking that I wanted to make this a permanent part of my life. I felt happier and like my creativity was flowing. When we got back to Cincinnati I deleted the Twitter and Facebook apps off my phone. I did it swiftly and without hesitation one morning so I wouldn’t spend too much time talking myself out of my decision.
Let me tell you, it has been amazing! I thought I would be more worried, and while we’re only a few days into 2019 I am hopeful that this can stick. I didn’t delete my accounts on these platforms, but not being able to access them so easily on my phone should drastically reduce the amount of time I waste on a daily basis. I’m a news junkie, so Twitter for me was like a drug. I spend so many hours of my day refreshing my feed and the trending page to see what was going on in the world.
Who knew that it would take a mere 30 seconds to make such a drastic and promising change in my life?
It’s kind of ironic, considering the hundreds if not thousands of hours I’ve wasted on these apps. It’s funny, out of habit I still keep opening my phone and attempting to click on the spaces these apps once resided. I’m hoping after a few days this will go away.
If you feel like you’re spending too much time aimlessly scrolling through the
Here’s to a more productive 2019!
I still have all my social apps on my phone, but I’ve turned off notifications. That makes a huge difference for me because I only check them when I have the time to do so. Twitter on my phone is particularly important because I manage multiple accounts, and I can easily toggle between them on my phone. On my computer, I either have to use different browsers or log in/out. Turning off notifications was such a small thing to do, but it really has made a big difference! I’m glad to hear you’ve found a solution that works for you.
That’s a great idea, Brita! I totally get needing Twitter on your phone with managing so many accounts, but I love that you’re making it work with less distractions!
I love this! Instead of resolutions, I have a monthly challenge for every month of the year. January was no social media month, which for me essentially means no Facebook or Instagram. It’s been the best month ever, and I’m way more relaxed. I was feeling the same way you were, and staying off them for the month has been the greatest way to start the year! 🙂
I love the no social media for a month idea! Glad you can relate! It’s been so nice deleting them off my phone. I’m still having a hard time fully concentrating on things but I’m hoping this is the first step toward better results!