Facebook is without a doubt the biggest time drain ever invented. It is a platform that steals so much time from us that when we finally realize the amount of time we have spent on it, we are left baffled, asking ourselves what we did for all that time. According to Time Magazine, the average user spends more than 20 minutes each time they visit the platform. While this may not seem like a lot, if you visit it 2-3 times a day, it adds up.

As someone who loves Facebook but was also cognizant of its time-consuming nature, I had to make a decision – either I control my time on the platform, or I leave it altogether. Being addicted to the platform (like most people), I tried to avoid spending so much time on it and researched various tactics and tools. While some were helpful, I found that without a system in place, none of them could help me win back my time.

Facebook is a multi-media channel that works tirelessly to keep us engaged. It bombards us with notifications, messages, and newsfeed updates. To deal with such an onslaught, I had to develop a layered strategy that includes tools and habits, all combined to help me win back my time. Here’s how:

Tools

1. Ghost for Chat: One of the major time-wasters on Facebook is the chat feature. When I log onto Facebook, I don’t always want to talk or be seen. Sometimes, I’m just there to do a specific task, like read an interesting article from my customized feed or answer a specific message. I don’t always want to get sucked in with other messages. This Chrome app allows me to talk to whomever I’d like without being seen on the chat window and without having that “last seen” time stamp. After ending the chat, I close Facebook and dive back into my work.

2. Stay Focused: I’m not in favor of blocking apps, as while they have an important role in preventing access to those websites that waste our time, they also have a huge role to play in causing our fall from the productivity bandwagon. This app makes it possible to set a limit for the amount of time I’m going to use Facebook in advance, allowing me to control the impulse of visiting it outside of those hours.

3. Kill News Feed: On some days, staying off Facebook for productivity’s sake is critical, and this app helps me do just that. It ensures that I won’t be able to view the newsfeed by blocking it, serving as an excellent reminder that I need to get back to work.

Habits

4. Schedule your Visits: You need to get into the habit of creating a daily schedule on a dedicated planner or calendar, and sticking to it. Building recreational Facebook visits into your schedule will help you to enjoy the time you spend on the platform and be productive at the same time. A word of advice: while at work, schedule one visit tops. It takes on average 23.15 minutes to get back on track once you’ve interrupted your workflow.

5. Commit with a Friend: This tip might seem a little big-brotherish, but it’s effective. The guy who got slapped by someone from Craigslist to get back to work proved that. When you schedule with someone and message them when you log in and out of Facebook, you’re helping yourself commit to the time you’ve allocated for it. This habit is highly effective because it involves another person, and it also goes well with the Ghost for Chat app, as no one else will bother you.

6. Create Dedicated Newsfeeds: Facebook changed its algorithm so that you see things that according to Facebook, you’re interested in. The problem is that almost everyone sees news and interactions of friends that they interact with on the newsfeed as a result. By creating a dedicated newsfeed or list, you’re blocking out all the noise and focusing only on what’s relevant for you. To see only the friends or pages you’re interested in, go to News Feed on the right corner bar > Edit preferences > Prioritize who to see first or use the Facebook friends organizer tool. You can also create several lists with Facebook’s list tool.

When I’m on Facebook, depending on my needs, I activate the tools. The habits are a different thing. To make these habits work for you, you’ll need to first commit and spend less time on Facebook. This commitment will make sure that you have the mindset required to make this change. It might be difficult to kick-start these new habits because you’ve been using Facebook for so long, and old habits die hard. But it’s possible, and you should at the very least try. If you’re planning your daily schedule on a regular basis, which I highly recommend, this kind of commitment will fit your schedule like a glove. Good luck!

In conclusion, Facebook is a fantastic platform that offers endless communication, entertainment, and educational opportunities. However, it is also a massive time drain that can get in the way of productivity, work, and social engagements. By utilizing the tools and habits outlined above, it is possible to use Facebook leisurely while remaining productive and in control of our time.