I hate it sometimes.
The anticipation of a Facebook notification or a new Instagram like... Sometimes I wish I could just
throw it all away.
It's like there is a constant unnecessary inflow of crap into my brain. What she wore, what he did today, what she thinks about... Because I don't care and I don't need to. These insignificant facts don't change my world for the better or improve my life in any way.
I have deleted certain apps from my cell phone before- multiple times, actually. I would look down too often, even when I had not received a text or a notification. I would look at my phone while eating, on the bus while on my way to classes, and even when I was with friends (who I enjoy being with). I would do this because it was so natural.
I don't want that to be natural or normal for me.
I said "multiple times" because I get these apps back when I realize how much easier it is to just have them on my phone. However, I know that having them on my phone isn't necessarily good for me.
This is not my diary.
I write about things that affect others as well as myself, and I know that I'm not the only one with this headache.
So I'm not going to make this long because this is a simple statement: sometimes it's important to give ourselves a break- our egos, (at times) unrealistic expectations, and the constant thrill that we naturally desire.
It's unhealthy and exhausting, and our time and lives are worth more.
It is 1:30 am and I am exhausted, but I can't help but write this down while lying in my bed, head on
pillow, phone light setting on low, and my phone on silent so that my roommate won't wake up.
I'm a college student with back to back classes tomorrow and I can't sleep because this is more
exhausting.
I don't want this anymore.
It's not what life is all about. I only have one chance to make the best of it and since this isn't the best... changes are going to be made
Some tips:
- This is hard at times. Only use your apps when you have a notification or want to post something. It's like binging on food. you're not really hungry, but eat anyway because you have the time or are bored.
- Put all of the distracting apps into one section (I know you can do this on an iPhone, though I am not sure about other phones). This way, these apps stand out less on your screen and you are less likely to give in to viewing them.
- GET BUSY!!! Whenever I spend time on Facebook or Instagram just scrolling through, I honestly feel horrible about myself. It is a known fact that social media makes people feel unhappy. This makes sense because we are constantly focusing on other people. We have our own lives. Don't waste it away by comparing it to others'. Why do you have so much free time on your hands anyway. Or maybe you don't- you just really don't want to write that paper or study for that test... but the way that I think about it is that I will feel more accomplished and happier in the long run if I do what I need to get done. This is not easy, but is worth the time that it saves and the feeling of accomplishing more.
- Make a list of things you want and need to get done, so that you are more aware of the fact that you can use your time in a more productive way. Plan something to do in your free time that is rewarding- I usually like to practice guitar in between my study sessions. I feel happier doign this over scrolling through my newsfeed.
If you have better tips, implement them.
Write yourself notes if you need to. Make your home screen picture a positive quote of staying offline if you need to.
As time goes on, it gets easier and you feel happier overall.
Good luck!