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I want you to sit and imagine a world without social media and the internet. How does it make you feel? Be honest! Chances are, you were panicking a little, weren’t you?
Let’s face it: the majority of us are GLUED to our phones, iPads, laptops, and such, and could benefit from a social media detox. Especially right now, while many of us are still dealing with lockdown, and we’re struggling to find things to do. Not to mention the stress of the upcoming election in the United States.
Yes, there are millions of us that rely heavily on social media for our jobs. And that’s okay! Plus, there are great benefits of having social media from a personal perspective; such as our connections friends, dating, family, etc.
But, studies have shown that there are a LOT of negative effects of social media, as well. From loss of appetite, cyberbullying, FOMO, depression/anxiety, and so much more.
This is why it’s important to step away and give yourself some time away from the devices and embrace a social media detox.
What IS a social media detox?
A social media detox is exactly what it sounds like: a conscious effort to take a break, for a set amount of time you deem necessary, from social media.
For “the perfect detox” you would delete the apps from your phone, and maybe even going as far as to disable your accounts so you are unable to login on other devices.
*cue freak out*
I understand that for a lot of folks that use social media for their work, this isn’t feasible. So the need would be to set a specific amount of time to step your phone away from you, and stay off it.
Benefits of A Social Media Detox
Free time!
Who doesn’t want more free time?
Have you been wanting to finish a project around your home? Start a new hobby like make your own beauty products? Or how about fix something that needs a little TLC? This would be the perfect time to do it!
Don’t let yourself get bored. Start a list before your detox of things you could do around your home. If you need some help, I have a list of 50 Fun Things to do!
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is SO important and isn’t selfish in the slightest. Everyone practices self-care in different ways, which is perfectly fine! Understand what things make you happy, and contribute to your wellbeing is critical to self-care and awareness of oneself.
Technically, a social media cleansing IS self-care, we’re just trying to boost it a bit.
Indulge a little and get yourself a self-care subscription box. There are hundreds of boxes you can choose from with a focus on religious, spiritual, self-help, leadership, body, mind, and soul.
Personally, I got myself the Enchanted Crystal box! Each month, I am sent a new Crystal for my spiritual wellness and I love it.
Less Anxiety
Social media attributes to anxiety whether it is something you realize or not.
Do you ever find yourself being negative, or feeling a sense of negativity because of what you are reading or seeing across social media channels? Does the thought of commenting on a post, or “reading the comments” give you a sense of dread? Do you think you need to make changes being of trends shown on social media?
Once off, your “worry” for these things will drop drastically, and you will find yourself being more positive.
You May Also Like: Managing Anxiety: 3 Tips You Can Start Today
Sleep Better at Night
It’s no surprise I would once again bring up sleep habits!
According to Sleepfoundation.org, over 90% of individuals admit to using a device within an hour of going to bed. We know that devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops have Bluelight, which hinders the release of melatonin; the hormone that regulates our sleep cycle.
So, imagine getting being off social media (your device!) hours before bed? Not only would your body produce melatonin as it should, but you would also be more relaxed before starting your wind-down routine; thus, sleeping better at night.
Snag a Weekly Sleep Tracker and see what else is keeping you from sleeping well at night!
Quality Time With Family
Do you find that your family time is starting to consist of everyone on their own respective devices? Implementing not only an individual social media detox, but having your family do it as well, together, gives you more time together and the ability to spend quality family time!
Start small: sit down together for meals and not allow phones at the table. Make it not only a social media detox, but a device detox, and spend an afternoon together. Increase it from one afternoon to at least 2 days a month, and go from there.
You’ll find that spending quality time together is great for connecting with your family, or partner, be stress-free and boost your overall happiness.
Let’s Chat About It! Have you ever done a Social Media Detox? If so, how was it? If not, have you thought about doing one?
Tonyalee is an avid reader, gym junkie, coffee addicted workaholic, and blogger. Be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for random shenanigans.
