Social media is full of distractions that are dominating our lives. There is a lot of pressure to be a part of others’ lives and to share important updates about your life. The decision to reduce social media will not slow down anyone’s life. Some people might look at you and say you’re crazy about taking a break from social media. Limiting social media usage can sound disturbing, but it will certainly enhance your life. Digital Detox can help you manage your social media usage optimally.
What is a Digital Detox?
Digital detox is when one does not use technological devices like computers, smartphones, TVs, tablets, and social media websites. Detoxing from digital devices is usually seen as focusing on real-life social interaction free of distractions.
By removing devices from their lives, at least for a short period, people can relax from the stress caused by continuous connectivity.
Reasons to Take a Break from Social Media
Eat away your time
The moment we feel like there is no time to complete the task we’ve planned to complete. In reality, it’s because we’ve spent too many hours glued to our phones, checking out the latest gossip our friends or random people are talking about. In truth, it isn’t your fault at all! Social media apps are supposed to be addicting in every way. Thus, we spend hours scrolling, often without even realizing it.
Keeps you distracted
Social media is a mixture of fake information, genuine news, and mundane topics others write about. It is easy to become distracted from tasks that are important to you. We set aside our goals while focusing on these issues.
Ignites FOMO
FOMO, an acronym for fear of missing out, is the anxiety that you do not have the experiences others are experiencing. The constant stream of information can fuel fear. Each time you view posts about someone else’s life and experiences, you may end up feeling like yours isn’t as exciting as theirs.
Social comparisons
If you are a frequent user of social media, then you’ve likely noticed yourself comparing your life with your family, friends, strangers, and even celebrities. You may think everyone else appears to have a more fulfilling, wealthy, or interesting life. All these are based on your small glance through their Instagram or Facebook feeds.
You forget the pleasure of alone time
You’re not content with your life whenever you suddenly find yourself compelled to check your social media feeds to see what others are doing. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when it becomes something that keeps us from taking care of ourselves, it can become more than just an unhealthy habit.
How to implement Digital Detox
Being completely unconnected can be a refreshing and uplifting experience for certain individuals. For many people, completely cutting off all forms of communication may not be feasible, especially if you are dependent on keeping connected for school, work, and other commitments. But that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from digital detox. However, the trick is the decision to cut off something that is not compatible with your lifestyle and schedule.
Set Limits
It’s often not possible to completely cut off your connection from the internet. Setting boundaries on when the internet is allowed to take over your time could benefit your mental health. Set limits on the kind and frequency of connections you make sure you can enjoy the real world without digital distractions.
Get rid of distractions
Another method is to switch off notifications on your mobile. Many social media applications like Facebook, Instagram, and news websites will send you alerts whenever you receive a text mention, message, or blog post. Instead of checking these apps every time, schedule a certain moment each day to be sure to check the messages you receive or your mentions. Set aside a specific time, usually around 20-30 minutes, for checking in and sending replies.
Digital fast
Just like we practice intermittent fasting for our bodies, we can practice digital fasting for our minds. Remove all digital devices completely for a day or two. You can practice this during weekends so it won’t affect your work.
Avoid easy access
Remove social media apps from your phone and keep yourself logged out from the websites. Instead of instant access, you’ll have to spend time logging into your account; then, you’ll log in to social media less frequently.
Benefits of Digital Detox
Taking a break from social media now and then and implementing digital detoxing in your life will yield these benefits.
- Reduces stress
- Eliminates FOMO
- Improves sleep habits
- Enjoy super-productive days
- Helps maintain work-life balance
- It helps to create a positive outlook on life
The absence of a device can be stressful and uncomfortable at times. Without your mobile phone and other technology tools, you may feel angry, anxious, and dissatisfied. Although it can be difficult to do, it can also be an enjoyable experience that helps you understand your relationship with your gadgets. Social media is only an insignificant portion of our life. Physically, there’s a whole universe worth exploring for you.