Quitting Facebook
How do I quit Facebook? This little set of tips was created by someone to help them quit - ‘a lobster trap with your friends as the bait’, as crackbook has been called before. It uses the 10 tips to quit smoking on mydr.com.au, and applies them to that much tougher addiction.
Quit Facebook: 10 tips
It’s never too late to quit Facebook and there are many benefits to be gained no matter what age you are when you give up. Here are some quick tips to help you kick the habit.
Tip 1
Quitting is different for everyone, so find an approach that will work for you. This may be either the cold turkey approach (stopping suddenly and totally) or a more gradual reduction in the number of posts you make each day. Set a date to quit — and stick to it. Make it sooner rather than later. If you are quitting by yourself, it is recommended that you stop Facebook completely on your quit date.
Tip 2
Get as much support as you can from family, friends and work colleagues. Let them know you are planning to quit, and ask Facebookers not to post to you or respond to your posts. Quitting with a friend can also be an excellent idea — you can share your feelings and encourage each other.
Tip 3
Remove all email notifications, bookmarks and anything else that might remind you of Facebook. Take down your profile picture and remove your status update.
Tip 4
Facebook replacement therapy, such as work related blogs, could be a good idea for those who Facebook heavily or who feel they may need the extra help.
Tip 5
Plan ahead for situations in which you are likely to be tempted to Facebook, such as lunchtime, late at night, or in your tired period later in the day. Try to avoid these situations in the early stages of your quitting programme, or try using computers in public, or drink your coffee or eat standing up.
Tip 6
Write down all the reasons that made you decide to quit Facebook, and carry them with you in case you need reminding!
Tip 7
Keep the following 4 Ds in mind when you have a craving.
- Delay: remember that the worst cravings last for only a few minutes and will become even less frequent the longer you have quit.
- Deep breathe: this should help you relax and focus your mind on something else.
- Drink water: it is a good idea to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the toxins out of your system.
- Do something else: you could go for a walk, to the movies or visit a supportive friend. Try eatingan apple or cleaning your teeth when you would normally check Facebook. You could read something else, such as a magazine or book, to replace the need for stimulation, or speak to a friend on the telephone.
Tip 8
If you drink a lot of coffee, you may also want to cut down on your coffee intake as feeling jittery will not help your plan to quit. It may also be best to avoid alcohol as many people find it hard to resist Facebook when they drink.
Tip 9
If you find you are losing motivation to quit, remind yourself of the many personal and financial benefits of quitting! For example, did you know that 12 months after quitting, your productivity will double that of a Facebooker? Remember the results of our Facebook time calculator to help keep you motivated.
Tip 10
Just delete your account. It’s cruel but fair.
