Image source AbrevaIf you find yourself constantly checking your social media accounts, it might be the time to take stock of the situation. Being connected all the time can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and leaving you stressed. If anxiety sets in, it may not be that easy to shake it off.
Image source The TelegraphSome social media users can find themselves feeling jealous of others because of what they see. This is a definite sign that it is time for a break as the content that leads to these feelings may have been put out there to impress others and might not be authentic.
Image source Grace CollegeOne of the dangers of social media is that it can lead to you comparing your life with online 'friends'. Social media platforms can give a skewed view of what is fact and what is fantasy. If you are hanging on to their every word, it's not a healthy trait and you need to rein in on your electronic devices.
Image source Daily MailIf you find that you're spending literally hours upon hours, every single day, scrolling through social media feeds, it's probably time to take a step back. We all have 24 hours in a day and if you are spending a big chunk of your time online, you're likely not doing other more important things.
Image source SCL HealthDo you feel like social media is taking over your life? Does it seem as if you can’t go more than half an hour, tops, without checking all your accounts? Remember social media is just a tool and it should not be the centre of your life. Getting wrapped up in this world stops you being the person you really are.
Image source InsiderSocial media can be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends but if you find you are interacting with people online much more than in person, than do yourself a favour and take a break. Try and get a healthy balance of online and real life interactions.
Image source RedditFeeling more depressed or anxious since you started using social media? This has been proved in research studies to trigger anxiety and depression, so it's very important to be aware of how it's affecting your mental health. Like everything, moderation is key.
Image source Dreamstime.comIf you're not being as productive as you'd like, whether it's spring cleaning your home or it is work related, then this is the proof that you are spending a lot of time on the keyboard. Limiting your usage means you can have the best of both worlds in a much heathier environment
Image source InsiderIf you're having trouble sleeping or you can get off to sleep but then wake up soon afterwards, watching the clock go round and round, then there's a fair chance it's the blue light from your screen that is interrupting your slumber pattern. Going on your phone, when you can't get back to sleep, will only make matters worse.
Image source Self.comIf you find that you're feeling burnt out from social media and it's making your mind exhausted, give yourself a break from the online noise, videos etc. Once you know this is the reason why you do feel like this, but you can't drag yourself away from your laptop, then that's all the more reason why you should.
Image source UPIMaintaining social media pages, especially if you belong to lots of different groups, can be very tiring. It's also time consuming and you may feel you can't handle the stress and chaos that goes with it. You're then in a vicious circle as you respond to other users and they get back to you again. You need time to breathe, away from your devices.
Image source HelpGuide.orgThe world is not going to end if you miss one WhatsApp message or if you don't answer a text immediately. If you can't stick to certain times of the day to respond, unless, of course, it is urgent, then you might be fast approaching a technology addiction.
Image source HuffPost UKYou don't have to look far, when you're out and about, to see many people on their phones, when they're walking or sat in a restaurant. If you can't stop Instagramming for long enough to eat a meal with your family or friends, then you may have a problem.
Image source Penn TodayDo you keep peeking over at your phone, on the passenger side of the car, when you are driving? Besides being extremely dangerous, this is worrying behaviour because it means you aren't fully concentrating on the road ahead. You don't need telling what they could lead to so don't let it happen.
Image source eMindfulYour Facebook news feed can seem like a constant parade of all the exciting and fun stuff that everyone else is doing and it can really start to make you feel bad about yourself if you don't keep your expectations in check. Not everyone has to have fun, every hour of the day, even though the photos and updates makes it seem that way.
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Image source The Daily BeastInstagram has lots of advantages and has been very lucrative for some individuals, as has Tik Tok. If you have a problem in focussing how amazing they look compared to you, with their tiny noses and tiny waistlines, this could end up making you feel very negative about yourself. Keep this contact to a minimum or you could end up with hang ups you don't even have.
20. You Feel More Confident Talking Online - losing personal skills
Image source The GuardianIf you can admit to yourself that you feel much more confident chatting and commenting online than face to face, you may be bringing up a red flag. You could gradually lose your personal skills, so important in communication with all age groups, with friends and in the work place.Advertisement
21. You Get Less Work Done - it takes second place to social media
Image source Daily MailWhen you don’t have to worry about your devices buzzing left, right and centre, you could find your productivity levels shooting up to a new level. “The thing about social media is that it constantly interrupts what we are doing and then we lose track of the task in hand. Don't be one of those people.Advertisement
Image source The GuardianIf you find yourself stuck in a creative block, it may be to do with your social media habits. The key to an imaginative mind is to take breaks every now and again while you're working but not by going on social media. That will distract your train of thoughts and the more you do it, the harder it will be to get back that artistic side of yourself.
Image source Times Of IndiaSitting all day is bad for your health. Before you know it, you could have been typing away for over an hour without even realising it. Give yourself little time slots to check your social media and this should then not impact the length of time you are spent in a seated position.
Image source InsiderMany people’s values and beliefs are influenced by what they read on social media. According to a study from Pew Research, half of Facebook users get their news from just that site. If this is you, you need to think more about making choices and decisions independently.
Image source iBelieveIt’s much easier to type a scathing remark if you are hiding behind a screen than if you are insulting a person in the same room as you. Online, it is much more emotionally charged and it can wind you up every time to you go back to look at it. Get out of this habit for your own sanity.
Image source Self.comAre you one of the social media clan who are full of admiration for other users who get a multitude of 'likes' and 'loves' for their posts? When you post something, yourself, and don't receive the same adulation, does it really bother you and you can't stop thinking about it? Take some time away from the site and you'll realise your feelings were unfounded.
Image source Cleveland ClinicWhen your dinner is on the table and you're prepared to let it go cold so you can finish watching or commenting on social media, it's not great. If the family ask you to watch a movie with them, for some quality bonding time and you prefer to stay in your room, on your iPad, you should give yourself a talking to and realise your actions aren't healthy.
Image source Nest.comIf your partner is as addicted to social media as you are, then so be it and it works for you two but if your significant other gets frustrated that you've lost the art of communicating with them, or prefer not to, then how long will it be before big cracks appear in the relationship? Act now before it's just you and your screen.
Image source RedditWaiting for responses, worried about negative comments on your pictures and worse still, being cyber bullied, added together, can be very damaging and can affect your wellbeing if you are constantly on edge. Unfortunately, this could possibly lead to mental and physical health issues.
Image source InsiderIf you recognise yourself from the points made above, why not make changes. g Start small and manageable by taking short breaks from social media. When you are feeling more confident, change routines and busy schedules to make it easier to stay away. Set yourself a limit. You can do it!