Combatting the Social Media Blues
5 reasons we could all use a social media detox
Social Media Blues: a term to describe the feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction that comes from spending too much time on various platforms. Often occuring when we compare our lives to those of the carefully curated content creators and brands.
As a small business owner I often find myself checking Instagram and Facebook to see how many likes, comments or follows I’ve received. I also like to respond to any DMs as promptly as possible.
This innocent act can result in minutes or even hours wasted on the platforms, with my mental health worse for wear. After 4 years of battling these feelings I decided to do some research on how social media affects our mental health and how we can take control.
As it turns out, our brains were not created to consume the amount of information we do today. In fact, according to the New York Times, the average person’s daily consumption of information now adds up to a remarkable 34 gigabytes! That’s the equivalent of 174 FULL newspapers’ worth of content each and every day – five times higher than in 1986.
Social media promised to empower and entertain, but instead has millions feeling overwhelmed and lacking.
That is why I have decided to treat myself to a social media detox and documented my findings…
5 REASONS TO TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX
Taking a social media detox can have numerous benefits for your well-being and overall mental health
Improved focus and productivity: The average person spends 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media every day. That equates to an entire month of each year. By taking a detox, you can regain focus, eliminate distractions and redirect your energy toward more productive activities.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Continuous exposure to social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, comparison, and FOMO (fear of missing out). A detox can help break this cycle, allowing you to focus on your own life and personal growth.
Enhanced real-life connections: Social media can sometimes lead to superficial interactions that lack depth and connection. Taking time away from social media allows you to invest in meaningful face-to-face interactions and strengthen bonds with the people in your life. It provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships, have meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories offline.
Increased self-awareness: Without the constant influence of social media, you have more time and space to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. This self-reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and what truly brings you joy and fulfilment. Constant scrolling on social media can consume time that could be better spent on pursuing hobbies, interests, and personal growth. Taking time away from social media can reignite your passions and allow space for self-reflection and personal development.
Improved sleep quality: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your sleep patterns. By taking a break from social media, especially before bed, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.
HOW TO TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX
Set a goal: Determine the duration and scope of your social media detox. It could be a few days, a week, or even longer. Decide whether you want to completely abstain from all platforms or just limit your usage.
Inform your friends: Let your close friends and family know about your social media detox. This way, they’ll understand why you may not be as active online and can reach out to you through other means if needed.
Delete or deactivate apps: Remove social media apps like Instagram or Facebook from your phone or deactivate your accounts temporarily. This will make it less tempting to mindlessly scroll and help you break the habit.
Pro Tip: Iphone Users: You can set a time limit for a Social Networking and for individual apps. Go to Settings > Screen Time. Tap App Limits, then tap Add Limit. Select one or more app categories
Find alternative activities: Fill the time you would typically spend on social media with other activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Read a book, take a walk through the forest, bake or spend quality time with loved ones. Discovering new interests can be exciting!
Practice digital mindfulness: If you need to use social media for work or other important reasons, set specific time limits and stick to them. Be mindful of how you feel while using social media and be selective about the content you consume. Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t contribute positively to your well-being.
Reflect and journal: Take this time to reflect on your relationship with social media and how it affects your life. Journaling can help you process your thoughts and emotions, and gain insights into the changes you’d like to make moving forward.
Remember, a social media detox doesn’t have to be permanent. It can be a temporary break to recalibrate and find a healthier balance in your digital life.
Enjoy the break and embrace the opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Comment below how your detox went, what you learned in the process or how I may support you!
