Hey Friends,
I love learning about myself, and one of the things that I have learned, is that my personality type is especially prone to overstimulation and burnout. Because of this, I have to put things in place to take care of myself. One of which is taking a social media break. I go on a social media break twice yearly (or more if necessary) to recalibrate.
I take a break in January to start my year afresh with a renewed mind, and then Mid-summer/ mid-year to take a breather before I take on the rest of the year. There are several reasons why taking a break from social media can be beneficial:
Your Mental Health
Social media takes a heavy toll on our emotions and feelings, far more than we realize. One day, while scrolling through social media, I took some time to observe how I felt when viewing different stories, reels, or photographs. One post made me laugh. Others made me feel like celebrating someone’s milestones, some sad, concerned, angry, or even insufficient as a parent. My next thought was how quickly each emotion changed as I scrolled past every post.
Come to think of it, we really weren’t wired to go through so many emotions so quickly. We don’t get to sit with what we feel and why we feel that way. As a likely result, without warning, this could lead to mental burnout, and contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even low self-confidence. Taking a break allows you to focus on your mental well-being and reduces the brain’s stress to process so many types of information in a short space of time.
Productivity
Scrolling on social media can lead to significant time wasting, which causes decreased productivity and difficulty focusing on tasks. It simply takes the time and attention away from doing the things that are a priority. There are times when just one notification comes in, and before you know it, an hour has passed while you’re immersed in social media. Taking a break allows you to reclaim that time and channel it towards more meaningful activities.
Authentic Connections
Breaks allow you to prioritize real-life interactions and build more authentic relationships with the people around you. Sitting, talking, and connecting with your friends and family face to face create more meaningful and lasting memories. You get to enjoy experiences together in real-time without the distraction of the socials.
Personal Growth
Taking a break from social media allows for self-reflection and personal growth. It will enable you to disconnect from the online world and permit you to focus on your goals, hobbies, and interests. Disconnecting leaves the time to plan, prepare, and get into a routine to fulfill your personal goals.
Reconnect with the Present Moment
Being constantly engaged with social media can prevent you from fully experiencing and appreciating the present moment. Years ago (before social media was a thing), I went out for lunch with my sister-friend. As we approached our destination, I kept taking photos of everything. When we were almost there, I turned to her and suggested we take pictures together.
After a few photos, she gently lowered my phone and said, “Let’s just live in the moment–let’s enjoy ourselves and be more present. Savor the moment.” Those words stuck with me until now. Although we use Social media to share our experiences with others, there are times when we should consider lowering the camera to enjoy beautiful, unfiltered experiences. Taking a break allows you to be more mindful and engaged in the people and the world around you.
Rediscover Hobbies
Social media can consume a significant amount of your time, leaving little room for other activities and hobbies. Taking a break frees up your time to rediscover and pursue your passions and interests. You can even learn to do something new! These hobbies could bring in revenue! Honey, take the time to find out!
So, if you don’t see me around, know that I’m living in the moment and taking the time to smell the roses, literally. Remember, taking a break from social media doesn’t mean completely disconnecting forever. It’s about finding a healthy balance and using social media in a way that enhances your life rather than detracting from it.
Until next time,
