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Bad Habit Slimdown, Week 3: Overusing Social Media

By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor

We live in a social world. Regardless of your connection to social media with your full-time job, there is no doubt that you’re checking your status updates on your phone or tablet pretty regularly. Using company equipment to check for LinkedIn connections may not be the best use of your time, and could possibly get you into hot water with your boss. Before you hit post on your next message consider how much time you spend in your virtual communities.

Limiting access to social networks during work hours can be especially difficult. It isn’t as easy as turning off your phone to avoid the distraction. If IT doesn’t restrict the websites you visit you can go through the day with a minimized screen of your Facebook and Twitter accounts. This could be akin to watching TV or a movie while you work. Even if the work is tedious you’re not giving it your full attention. Step away from the temptation by creating times to check your channels.

Create your own rule of thumb for what amount of time equates to loss of interest and derailment. Lunch time, coffee breaks, and an afternoon stretch are good opportunities to check your networks. Taking a mental break from a heavy assignment is reasonable as well. If you have to minimize your screen every time someone walks by, then that’s your sign that your time is not being used wisely. Begin the new process in small increments, and find other enjoyable components of your job to fill the time you would previously use to surf social media.

How did you do on last week’s bad habit slimdown? If you’re still struggling to make it to your meetings on time then it is time to reprioritize!

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