The impact of social media on our lives is undeniable. We use it to connect, network, share, and express ourselves, often making it feel like a huge part of our lives. However, many of us find ourselves getting caught up in the endless cycle of checking our feeds, responding to notifications, and creating posts. In extreme cases, this can become dangerous obsession with social media, leading to serious mental health issues and social problems. That is why it is so important to take steps to combat this obsession and use social media in a healthy way.

First, set limits for yourself. Schedule times when you will be off the phone and away from social media. Maybe it’s setting an alarm that will remind you to put the phone down or turning off notifications, such as when you’re in class or during meal times. Make an effort to notice when you’re scrolling and how often, and then set limitations for yourself. If you find yourself getting carried away, try setting a timer to limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day.

Second, meet with people in real life and be mindful of when you’re using social media. Make an effort to create meaningful relationships IRL, instead of relying too heavily on the digital ones. Invite your friends out for coffee or take a yoga class together. Connecting with people offline can help you break the habit of overindulging in social media.

Third, limit the amount of accounts you follow. The more accounts you follow, the more notifications you get, and the more you’ll be tempted to check your feeds. Instead, focus on a few accounts that you find most inspiring and that add the most value to your life. This way, you’ll focus your attention and efforts on these people and not get drawn into the endless cycle of checking everyone else’s posts.

Fourth, don’t compare yourself to others on social media. It’s easy to get tied up in the screenshots of people’s perfect lives and think that you’re not living up to their standards. However, don’t forget that we often show only our best sides on social media, often masking our insecurities and struggles. People’s posts are only a fraction of their lives so don’t fall into the habit of comparing yourself to them.

Finally, pursue other hobbies and goals. If you find yourself getting obsessed with social media, it may be time to reconsider what you’re dedicating your time to. Take up a new hobby, learn or relearn a language, or pick up a skill. Make plans to pursue greater goals and focus your energy on things that will bring you closer to those goals.

Social media is an incredible tool for connection and expression. However, like all good things, it’s important to use it in moderation. Setting limits, meeting with friends IRL, and pursuing new hobbies and goals can all help us break the habit of obsessing over social media. By doing this, we can create healthy habits and use social media in a mindful way.