It is no secret that social media platforms were deliberately designed to hold users’ attention as long as possible tapping into psychological biases and vulnerabilities relating to our desire for validation and fear of rejection.

Everyone is different and there is no specific amount of time spent on social media, or the frequency you check for updates, or the number of posts you make that indicates your use is becoming unhealthy. Rather, it has to do with the impact time spent on social media has on your mood and other aspects of your life, along with your motivations for using it.

Too much passive use of social media – just browsing posts can be unhealthy and has been linked to feelings of envy, inadequacy and less satisfaction with life.

Studies have even suggested that it can lead to ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety and sleep deprivation.

If you feel you are addicted to social media, don’t worry, here are few tips you can take to beat your social media addiction.

1. Reduce time online

• Set a timer on your watch or phone, to limit the amount of time you spend on social media.
• Or use an app to track how much time you spend on social media each day.
• Turn off your phone at certain times of the day.
• Don’t bring your phone or tablet to bed.
• Do not take your phone with you to bathroom.
• Limit checks.

2. Turn off notifications

When you stop notifications from disturbing your normal routine, you might find it easier to concentrate on your daily tasks and not get distracted so easily.

3. Change your focus

Many of us access social media purely out of habit or to mindlessly kill moments of downtime.But by focusing on your motivation for logging on, you can not only reduce the time you spend on social media, you can also improve your experience and avoid many of the negative aspects.

4. Spend More Time with Your Loved Ones

Instead of keeping up to date with your friends’ and family members’ lives through a screen,spend time with them in the real world and reconnect with them. Make new memories and keep them personal to you – you don’t need to document everything you do in life with selfies.

5. Express Gratitude

Feeling and expressing gratitude about the important things in your life can be a welcome relief tothe resentment, animosity, and discontent sometimes generated by social media.

Take time for reflection, Practice mindfulness and Volunteer.

6. Remove Social Media Apps from your phone

Try removing social media apps from your phone so you can only check Facebook, Twitter and the like from your tablet or computer.If you don’t see a social media icon every time you pick up your phone, you’re less likely to spend time there.

7. Dedicate time to hobbies or activities

A hobby or new activity can help curb your desire to check in to social media.

8. Learn to let go of social media and refocus your priorities

Focus on real connections and not on those who have entered our lives because of social media.

Social media has made us outer-focused, when we should really be focused on filling up from the inside.