By Lisa Selow
In our high tech world, we can write emails, social media posts, and even blog posts on our mobile devices. With a couple of clicks, we can send photos and videos to our loved ones. We also can text or video chat very easily.
Technology helps us stay connected to those we love and enjoy, while also creating new friendships online. Yet, it can be draining at times, since we are managing even more communications and a greater number of relationships in our daily lives.
Do you ever think about what it would be like to unplug, even just a little bit each day or for a short, but extended amount of time? Maybe you even fantasize about what it would be like to delete your Facebook profile?
You’re not alone. As I write this, I’m right smack in the middle of a self-administered, monthlong social media detox. Other than some tweets I scheduled last month, I’ve not logged in or posted in any of my social media accounts.
Why did I decide to do this?
My main reason is self-care, since I felt depleted by unsolicited advice from others on social media, particularly in private messages. Reading my newsfeed on Facebook drained me too. While I’m happy for others’ successes, I started to put extra pressure on myself to achieve, do, and produce. My inner critics were pouncing on me! At times, I’m already hard on myself as I recover from perfectionism. So, I realized that I needed a break.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far abstaining from social media:
- I have more time to do what matters to me. Art, music, creative hobbies, meditation, and yoga have become daily practices of mine, not just optional, as I made them in the past.
- I’m more in the present moment. I don’t have five tabs open on my computer as I try to do my work.
- I zone out much less when I’m tired or stressed. I tend to stretch and drink water more and take more breaks, instead of checking on my newsfeed or messages.
- I notice more inner peace. I’m not comparing myself to others as much. I don’t feel anxious and don’t feel like I’m not doing enough to achieve happiness or success (or perfection).
- I have remembered that I’ve always been more about quality, not quantity of friends. I’m enjoying spending time in person with friends or connecting with them through email or telephone. I feel more connected to my heart.
I’m sure I’ll learn some more things from my social media detox. The major a-ha moments seem to come to me one at a time. I have been keeping a list of these a-ha’s in my journal. It’s helpful to look at the list when I feel tempted to check social media. I also have an accountability partner that I can contact if I feel the urge to log in to Facebook or Twitter or elsewhere in the social media world.
I’m not saying social media is a negative thing. Rather, I’m sharing my journey to help you think about how you spend your precious time. My goal is to achieve a balance with social media, being on it a few times per week, instead of hours per day. I myself find it wonderful to have time for fun, self-care, and creative hobbies.
What about you? What challenges or joys does social media bring to your life? Share in the comments below.
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This is so true Lisa!!!! Great article!!! I am finding social media to be exhausting lately!!
Hi there, Janice, so wild, isn’t it about how tiring social media can be? I thought it was just me. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Great post Lisa! I do a retreat day once a month on my day off to combat the draining effects of being plugged in all the time. No email, no social media, no phone & no talking! Just the things that fill me up are on the agenda. Walking up with no alarm, a soak in the tub, Yoga & Meditation, reading, listening to inspiring talks & studying anything I haven’t had time to that I want to dive into.
So happy you gave yourself permission to detox ❤
Nyk,
Oh, I love that idea of a day off and to have a personal retreat like that. That is such a great idea! I think many will resonate with that! 🙂 Your retreat sounds divine. Thanks for stopping by to check out my post and leave your wisdom here with us, my lovely! xoxo
Yes! I took a 5 day trip to Aruba in May and was so happy that I decided not to worry about “getting online” and I had such a lovely trip! I told myself that I’d have more of these types of “vacations” going forward! I felt so relaxing, no pressure to respond to anybody, and as someone who takes a lot of photos, I didn’t even take that many. I enjoyed the present moment and I can’t say enough how beneficial that was for my body, mind, and soul!! 🙂
Hi there, Lakesha,
That’s so awesome! How divine to be in such a beautiful place like Aruba and honor your spirit so wonderfully! That bit about being present…ahh, so needed! Lately, I call my meditations “presence-ing” ’cause I have forgotten how to be present in my body at times. Thanks for the reminder! Much love to you! xoxo
Hi Lisa: I have definitely taken a step back from social media. I step away completely on weekends and I would like to take a total leave – at least for awhile. I find it exhausting and I am nowhere near the active participant that others are.The only thing I miss is “chatting” with some of the really good people who I only know through social media.
I am baffled by the number of people who appear to be on some platform or another 24/7. I really hate getting marketing pitches sent to me through email on weekends.. I want to shout, Shut it down. Good for you, Lisa, for recognizing what’s really valuable – your own good health.
Cathy, that’s a great idea to take a step down on the weekends. I need to do that too! I used to, but really was sidetracked for a while there. I miss the fun people too when I take breaks. I also hear you about some on social media who appear to be on 24/7. Oh, goodness, right? I think some have hired interns or assistants to do it possibly? I get tons of marketing stuff on the weekend too and have similar thoughts. Thanks for stopping by 🙂 xoxo
That quality friends vs quantity ones issue is a hard reality check, Lisa Marie. I need a social media detox, now.
Oh, yes, I feel you on that one too. I’m still sorting through my emotions about the quality vs. quantity bit. 🙂 Let me know how yours goes.