Help for the Social Media Addict

Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc…) can be SO FUN.  I’ve met some really great friends over Twitter and converse daily with a LOVELY group of women on Facebook that I’ve never met in real life.

And my Better Life Bag Facebook page??  It brings me so much joy to interact with you there.  I’ve gotten awesome beauty, parenting, and life advice from you there.

But here’s the problem.  Sometimes I spend too much time on Social Media.  I’ve found it really hard to strike a balance between life, children, husband, and this entire world of online friendships and networks.  You too?  Is there a Social Media Addicts group out there?

Some ideas to help curb the addiction:

1. Turn off those silly notifications on your smart phones.  I admit, I love posting a status update on the BLB FB page and hearing my phone beep like crazy as you all answer my question, give me some encouragement, or leave a response.  But, it interrupts my intense game of dinosaurs and superheros.  I’ll check and respond to them later.
2. Set a timer for 30 minutes (or more) to respond to tweets, network, and connect with friends each night after kids go to bed.  Ever notice how interactive Twitter between the hours of 7 and 11pm?  Love my tweet-friends!
3. If you’re a blogger or business owner wanting to connect and network with others (or someone who needs to make your sponsors happy by mentioning them over Social Media), use a third party application like Hootsuite to schedule your tweets throughout the day.
4. Frequently clean out your RSS reader subscription list.  There are SO MANY great blogs out there, but not enough time to read them all.  I organize my Google Reader into these categories: Favorites (which I read every single day), Network (blogs I want to help promote and that help promote me), and Swap Blogs (blogs I swap ad space with).   I read the “Network” and “Swap Blogs” as I find time.  Usually skimming through them quickly (tip: just push the space bar button to jump through posts in Google Reader) and scheduling tweets and shout outs as I find a blog post that I LOVE!  This takes me about 30 minutes total and I can schedule tweets out for a few days.
5. When it’s actual WORK TIME, don’t leave Twitter and Facebook open on your computer.  Too tempting to waste precious moments clicking to see what’s going on.
6. Spend 24 hours each week without checking into Social Media.  No tweets, no Facebook, no checking email.  I promise it will all still be there when you get back.  And your house and children will be extra thankful for your undivided attention.

And while you’re computer is getting a much needed break from your typing away furiously on it’s sweet little keys, let it rest in a custom Better Life Bag laptop cover!

Seriously, every time I pull my cover out at Starbucks, I can feel all the eyes starting at my totally customized cover.  It makes my cheap ACER computer feel so much more glamorous.  The macbook sitting next to me doesn’t live in a custom home.

And it only costs a fraction of the price of your laptop.  The quilted and padded inside lining will make sure those occasional bumps and bruises inside your bag won’t damage your access to the Social Media world.

Choose your own fabrics and customize it even more by adding a fabric bow, ruffle, or outside pleated pocket to store your headphones and charger.

Fits any size laptop – just enter the dimensions of yours as you checkout!

 

Go check them out and get your order in before your next 24 hour Social Media break
{Just to be totally honest… this short little post took me 45 minutes TOO LONG because I took multiple breaks to tweet, facebook, and check email.  Practice what you preach, Rebecca.  Close those tempting little tabs that act as windows into another world!}

Also – I will reveal our new line of bags  ”Linen and Love” as soon as our Twitter page reaches 1,000 followers!  Hypocritical on a post that warns against Social Media?  Maybe

Tagged as: Blogging, Shop Updates, Social Media