3 Ways to Manage Social Media Time

Today I saw for sale an off-the-grid, completely self-sufficient homestead in northern Idaho, and for a split second, I was intrigued. How cool would it be to go off grid and become invisible? To not have to listen to the blather about Donald Trump's hair or Hillary Clinton's hacking cough? To run around naked with a gun just because I felt like it? Oops. Sorry for the visual.

But the idea of the homestead did intrigue me -- until I remembered there'd be no wifi. How would I post on Facebook or Tweet or pin or instagram? As an author I have to be in the public eye but must authors or other artists souls be drained by social media?

Of course the answer is no, but that's easier said than done. So here are a few tips to properly handle social media without frazzling your brain and your schedule to smithereens. 

#1. Set a timer.

I'm guilty of frequently pulling out my phone at a moment's notice and checking email or Facebook or whatever. It becomes addicting. I propose we all set a timer, whatever amount of time is right or you, be it a half hour or 45 minutes or 10 minutes, then abide by that time each day. Sure, you can break it up to do some in the morning and evening if it freaks you out to think you might be missing something, but when that timer dings, you shut down.

#2. Limit the venues.

Newsflash: you don't have to be on every conceivable social media site that's out there. Choose 3 -- only 3 -- and spend your time and effort on those. Which 3? The ones you adore, silly rabbit. Life is too short to waste time on something you don't love. Except for laundry. There's no get out of jail free card to avoid that.

#3. Tighten your content.

No one has time to read lengthy posts, and frankly, they don't care that much about your life or what you think. Here's your chance to use your tight writing skills. Get to the point immediately, stay on point, and finish that point in the least amount of words as possible. Limiting how much you post is a great way to limit how much time you spend posting.

Social media is a valuable tool, but that's all it is -- a tool, not a monkey on your back. Use it wisely so it doesn't use you like a fool.