On Social Media Balance
As a blogger, finding social media balance in my life has been HUGE. To be honest, I didn’t really use social media before I started my blog. I would occasionally check Facebook and Instagram, but I rarely posted.
One of my biggest concerns before starting my blog was that social media would consume my life. How would I maintain balance between life on vs. off the screen?
On Social Media Balance
You might already know this, but studies have shown that active social media users are actually LESS happy. Think about it – how many times have you looked at someone’s perfectly curated life on Instagram and felt a little jealous or compared yourself to them? We’ve all done it. Social media causes us to face our flaws head on while having images of someone else’s “perfect” life constantly thrown in our face.
Since starting The Luxi Look, I definitely felt some pressure to be more “plugged in.” I’ll admit, I probably check my social accounts more than I should. My biggest thing is balance. So, I’m making it a point to be more balanced when it comes to the social media aspect of blogging.
Here’s how I balance social media with, well, actual life.
+ Turn off notifications.
Simple as that. I find notifications to be so distracting. If I’m trying to focus on a task in front of me and get stuff done, the last thing I need is to see my phone lighting up out of the corner of my eye. Out of sight, out of mind, right? This has been the biggest thing for me in maintaining balance.
+ Schedule a time for social media.
Being the planner I am, I schedule the time I spend on social media. Planoly has been a lifesaver in allowing me to schedule my Instagram posts in advance. I try to allot a small amount of time in the morning, during my lunch break, and at night after work to respond to comments and check my feed. This is very much still a work in progress, but sticking to a schedule has helped tremendously with staying organized and limiting my time on social media apps.
+ Take a day off.
Yes, engaging with your followers and other bloggers is important. BUT, so is enjoying your life, living in the now, and looking up from your phone every now and then to enjoy the beauty that is around you. I like to take one day a week to unplug. Ideally it would be a full on digital detox. No social media, no messages, no email, nothing. I’m still working on this…
SO. If you’re a blogger or maybe just a little too attached to your phone like me ; ) please spill – how do YOU balance social media and real life?
dress: wonderland honolulu | belt: b-low the belt | shoes: adidas | bag: sancia (similar)
Loved reading this article. Finding balance is definitely HUGE when it comes to being a blogger. It basically ruined my last relationship — everything became about my blog, my life, my pictures, etc. I am SO much better now. I actually just went 10 days without a blog post because it was my birthday week! It felt good. BTW- love your outfit. Once again, I’d totally wear it.
X, j
Hey Jenna! Thank you for such a candid, honest comment and for sharing your perspective. I can definitely relate – I’ve tried to be conscious of not letting what was meant to be a fun hobby/passion project (my blog) get in the way of the important stuff, such as my relationship and life. As funny as the “Instagram Husband” video is, it’s a little too true in how easy it is to let blogging/photos take over your life and affect the people around you.
And happy belated birthday! Doesn’t it feel great to unplug? I truly believe that life and the people you love should always come first. Oh, and this outfit would look amazing on you ; ).
Thanks for reading babe. xx
Amy what a fantastic post! As I read this I am undergoing another burnout! Blogging is a 2 person job as I see it, and when we try to do it all and then there’s well … life … it can make things way out of balance. I have to admit I am still struggling in finding my balance, but surely getting there more and more each day! Love sharing this journey with you babe! You always look fabulous!! xox
http://www.thecharmingolive.com
Thank you Adelina! I could not agree more, blogging is SO time consuming. I’d love to hear how you try to stay balanced, focused, and avoid getting burned out! It’s something I’m working on everyday and striving to improve on. So happy to have connected with you and to be sharing this journey together. xx
that’s awesome!!! definitely getting organized is a must! 😀
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
Thanks Sybil! xx
This is so great and I love the choker!
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com
Thanks babe!! xx
love your outfit!
& amazing article!
http://www.pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com
Thanks babe! xx
Beautiful outfit and great tips I’m definitely going to follow x
Jessica — WS Community
Thanks Jessica! I’m so happy you liked the post. xx
So beautiful…
Lots of love.
http://www.NataliaBosch.com
Thank you Natalia! xx
Great article Amy! I have only recently started blogging a few months ago, and I found myself sometimes get carried away by the social media with all those apps I need to maintain…Instagram, WordPress, Facebook, Snapchat, Liketoknowit…etc…It can be a black hole and suck away the quality time we could be spending with family and friends. I like your idea of scheduling social media time in my calendar and take a day! Saturday is usually my day off 🙂
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences. Keep feeding us your inspirational post!!!
Xx
Jess
http://www.4evajessie.com
Thanks for reading Jess! I’m glad to hear we are totally on the same page. I try to catch myself when I’m on my phone around friends and family and put it away in a different room. It helps to maintain balance. Thanks for the love and support! xx
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