Social media can be both incredibly helpful and completely exhausting.
It keeps us connected with friends, family, businesses, events and communities we care about. But it also means we’re constantly consuming other people’s thoughts, opinions, news, and highlight reels, and not giving out own brains a chance to rest.
A few years ago, I hit a point where I felt completely burnt out from social media. Instead of endlessly scrolling, I decided to delete the apps from my phone and take a short media break.
*Insert loud gasp from all bloggers and social media people*
What Happened When I Deleted Social Media Apps
I’d taken a break from social media during teacher trainings and it felt really good. This time I backed off from some work and extra things in my life in conjunction with my social media detox.
lt felt strange at first. You don’t know what to do with your hands. How do you fill those quiet moments?
Then things started to shift. I started doing the things I actually enjoy instead of doom scrolling.
What I Did Instead of Scrolling
My kids and I made banana bread.
I actually paid attention to the Netflix I was watching!
I finished a book I’ve been struggling to get through for months.
A Easy Way to Start
The point isn’t what you do, but that you take the break. Social media of all kinds can be bombarding on our stress levels.
Try taking a bath and leave your phone (and smart watch) in another room.
When you are soaking in the tub and checking Facebook are you actually relaxed? I know I’m not! There’s always some sort of rage bait.
Comparing our lives to people’s highlight reels. So take a break. Back off for a few days. I promise you wont miss much. I came back to over 120 notifications on Facebook alone after two days and honestly I missed NOTHING. None of it was important! My banana bread however, was ridiculously yummy.
Love,