Four Benefits to Taking a Break from Social Media
In today’s world, social media is king. According to recent data, adults spend over 11 hours interacting with digital content! That includes Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, streaming apps and more. While we all tend to think we can’t live without it, there are definitely some benefits to doing so. Here are a few reasons why giving social media the boot (temporarily) can actually do you some good.
You become more productive
This has to be the most important reason why a social media detox every now and then is necessary. Way too often we find ourselves spending our free time on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook checking up on other people’s lives when we should be investing in our own. Use your idle time to catch up on projects, get a jump on things at work, or even start a book club (yes, people still read actual books). You can do literally anything! You’ll be surprised at what can be accomplished when you’re not scrolling through your social media feeds all day, everyday.
Less focus on others, more focus on you
The more time we spend on social media, the more we tend to become obsessed with what everyone else has going on. Stepping away from your phone and laptop will give you the opportunity to reflect on your own goals and well being. It also allows you to be present in the moment mentally. That has to be my favorite part of putting my phone on airplane mode so none of those calls come through! I get to be present with those around me and forget about what’s happening on my timelines.
Less time to think about what others think about you
People often say, “If it’s not on [insert whatever social platform you love here] it didn’t happen.” Social media has tricked us into doing things and going places for the approval of others. That approval comes in the form of likes and comments. You’re not alone when you wait for “peak hours” to drop your hottest post on Instagram, but whether we like to admit it or not, our moves on social media are often driven by the search of approval of our followers. Take a step back and learn to love yourself and your journey, despite what others may think.
Actual beauty rest
Getting enough sleep is major key to achieving your goals. Laying in bed during the wee hours of the night scrolling through your feed not only cuts into your beauty rest, but it prevents you from falling asleep too once you’re ready. Studies show that exposure to light from your phone and laptop at night prevents our brains from releasing melatonin. A hormone that tells our bodies it’s time for bed. Do yourself a favor and put the phone down so you can get the beauty rest you need!
Have you ever tried a social media detox? Tell us about your experience below.
