The Benefits of taking a pause on social media
The Benefits of a Social Media Break
Let’s face it, social media has revolutionized how people interact, and it can help with building connections and networks across the globe. With all that, there is substantial research that suggests that it can also have negative consequences on your mental health.
While there are no perfect times to take a social media break, there are benefits to social media detox. That is, a time in which a person stops using social media to varying degrees. And, as we head into the holiday season, what could be a better time than now? Simply put, social media reflects pieces of people’s lives and not all aspects of their lives. Taking a detox from social media platforms and how long you choose to take is entirely up to you. You get to define how long the break will last and which social media platforms that will include.
What are the benefits of taking a social media break?
For starters, you will be less likely to start comparisons, whether based on social media consumption or real life. This will help you conceptualize that social media is a mere reflection of pieces of people’s lives. Meaning, we are not getting all aspects of their lives – only snapshots. The benefit of taking a break could also decrease any shame, resentments, low self-esteem, and envy that you feel whilst looking at another mom’s post about her new car, her happy life, sleep training successes, etc.
Stepping away from social media has many benefits and those include and are not limited to:
1. Better sleep
2. Reduction of stress
3. Prevention of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress
4. Eases anxiety
5. Boosts mental well-being
Some tips for taking a social media break
Start by creating a goal for yourself such as refraining from doomsday scrolling or mindlessness scrolling. Your goals can even be your own personal detox regarding social media. Trying to limit your social media to 20 minutes a day can increase your ability to avoid engaging in unhealthy conversations, topics, or even comparisons. Don’t forget to inform your friends and family that you are going to be taking a break from social media as a sudden absenteeism can create fear from loved ones. Lastly, look for activities or tasks that can replace your social media habit (s). Swap social media for healthier options such as: taking a walk, reading a book, baking, cooking, meditation, yoga, or even looking at your old photo albums.
As someone who utilizes social media to connect with my community, I also believe that there’s a lot of power in knowing my motives for logging onto my social media accounts and making a conscious choice to meet those motives in another way.
Written by: Lital Diament MA LMFT and mom who consumes too much social media