So, let's paint this picture. You're doing work and an Instagram notification pops up on your phone. Cool. You check the notification, then decide to scroll down your timeline "real quick." 30 minutes later, you've somehow ended up on your ex-boyfriend's best friend's mom's vacation pics from 32 weeks ago. Like... how... did... I... even... get... here?! *confused face* Now, 30 minutes of your work day is gone and all you have to show for it is photos of a random stranger! Sounds weird, I know. But, it happens every..single..day.
Now, of course, social networks are GREAT for business and personal relationships - we just have to learn to use them in moderation! If you're spending more time on IG and Facebook and less time creating, maybe it's time to reevaluate your productivity.
Keep reading to check out some of my personal productivity tips to help find balance with social networks.
Delete Social Media Apps While Working:
If you know you HAVE to click on Instagram or Snapchat every time you pick up your phone, just delete the apps during work time. You can always re-download after you're done. Easy fix.
Download the Stay Focusd App:
For the Google Chrome users, this is a GREAT extension!!! Stay Focusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that limits how long you spend on time-wasting websites. I use it on my computer for Facebook. I only allow myself 10 minutes daily for Facebook. After those 10 minutes, Google Chrome blocks the site until the next day.
Get an Accountability Partner:
Accountability partners are my life!! No, seriously. I don't know what I'd do without supportive people helping me to stay focused and on target with my goals. I have different accountability partners for different areas of my life (sister, boyfriend, friends, etc). When someone else holds you accountable, your likelihood to stay focused is much higher. All you have to do is say, "Hey, can you hold me accountable for this goal?" Super easy.
Set Productivity Alarms:
I learned this one from my sister. She has alarms on her phone throughout the day with sayings like, "What are you grateful for?" or "Be Present." I borrowed this idea to help keep me focused throughout the day. You can label your alarms with anything that'll keep you motivated. Ex) "Good or Great?" or "Work Smarter" ..etc.
Take a Social Media 'Fast':
Take a couple days off social networks and see how much work you get done. I've done this a few times. During every "fast," I was able to stop procrastinating and get some much needed outstanding work done. I had no other choice - no escape zone.
Get an Alarm Clock:
Yup, turn your phone off at night and use an old school alarm clock! Think about it. What's the first thing you do in the morning? Turn off your phone's alarm, wipe the crust out your eyes, and scroll down Instagram/Facebook/Snapchat/WhateverElse. Instead of starting your day bombarded with tons of info, maybe try writing or reading for a centered start to the day.
That's all I have for now! Comment below to let me know what works for you!
Be Great Today! ~Jasmine
