Asking you to delete social media from your phone is like asking you to reconnect with that high school friend you once thought was your soulmate—until you found out she was seeing your ex. But no matter how much we try to ignore it, social media can be toxic and harmful to our mental health. That’s why I’m here to share some habits that will help you avoid that toxicity.

Just like you schedule your lunch breaks while working or studying, you can also set specific times to scroll through social media. There are apps that help track and control your usage. Try to avoid checking social media right before bed, as it can trigger anxiety or insomnia.

Remember that everything you see on social media is curated. From influencers who have glam teams making them look even more stunning to attract brands, to people using filters to make their pictures stand out—nothing is as effortless as it seems.

Engage in meaningful conversations about things that truly interest you, whether it’s the book you finished last night or the season finale of your favorite show.

Pick one day a week to unplug from your phone completely. Not sure what to do instead? Go for a walk around your neighborhood, tidy up your workspace, or try a workout routine that helps you unwind.

If arguing with someone you care about feels draining, imagine how pointless it is to fight with someone you’ve never even met. Don’t waste your energy on negativity. And if someone attacks you online, remember—you can always block them.

Everything you’ve achieved is the result of your own hard work and perseverance, so don’t feel bad about someone else’s success. The number of likes you get doesn’t determine your worth. Your actions do.

If you’re having a rough day, don’t force yourself to be online. Put your phone down and do something that fulfills you. Pay attention to the type of content that triggers negative emotions and figure out why—this will help you filter out what’s not good for you.

At the end of the day, social media exists to connect and entertain us, not to harm us. The key is knowing how to navigate it to avoid unnecessary negativity.