5 Ways to Effectively Take a Break from Your Phone & Social Media
In our hyper-connected world, social media platforms have become integral to our daily lives. They offer us instant access to information, allow us to stay in touch with friends, network with others, expand our digital platforms and provide a platform for self-expression. However, the constant barrage of notifications, updates, news cycles, click bait, and curated images can lead to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and mental drain. Endlessly scrolling, watching hundreds of fifteen second videos, and reading everyone’s thoughts, and being bombarded with content overload does a lot to one’s mental wellbeing.
It is a good idea to be selective with the internet pages, social media outlets and pages that you consume. There are intentional blogs, forums, threads, and online resources that have positively influenced and informed me in all aspects of my life—whether that be career advice, finance tips, wellness and health tips, and think pieces regarding universal healing & relationships that make me feel seen and heard. However, there is a lot of digital content/media that exists in the world that feasts on low vibrational, vapid, and honestly really negative takes.
Creating healthy digital boundaries, and time limits for my apps has allowed me to be more present in my work life and everyday personal life. Moments in life should be cherished. If you are always on your phone, and hyper focused on social media, you miss out on real life moments and the simplicity of simply just being.
Here are some tips to effectively reduce time on your phone, from the apps, and social media.
1. Set Clear Intentions
Before going off the grid, define your reasons for taking a break or reducing time on your phone. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Are you constantly in a state of functional freeze? Do you want to improve your mental health? Establishing clear intentions will help you stay committed to your decision and provide a sense of purpose during your time away.
2. Choose Your Duration
Decide how long you want your break to last. It could be a few days out the week, a few weeks, or even a month. Start with a shorter duration to gauge how you feel and gradually increase the time if it feels right. There have been days, weeks and months at a time that I didn’t upload or post anything to social media, when I completely eliminated an app, or didn’t endlessly scroll. During those times, it felt good to reclaim my time to myself.
3. Communicate Your Plans
Let friends and family know about your break. This not only sets expectations but also encourages others to respect your decision. Also, if it may be good idea to give people close to you a heads up, especially if you usually communicate online with clients and business partners. You might even inspire them to take a break themselves!
4. Lean into Self-Care
Use the time you would typically spend on your phone to explore new hobbies or revisit old ones. When I’m intentional about my time, I get to practice playing my guitar, work on my personal development, get some yoga & meditation in, e.t.c. I get to do the things that I actually love when I’m not glued to my phone screen. Self-care is about you. It’s about your personal moments, peace, and privacy. A few summers ago, I decided to take a month off of social media. During that time, I focused more on having a consistent routine. I would wake up early in the morning, go on a walk and touch grass, or do some strength training in the comfort of my living room. Then, I would make a green juice, take my supplements, and eat a healthy breakfast. All by 9:00 AM. Engaging in intentional, fulfilling activities can help fill the void left by social media and constantly checking the apps.
Having an intentional routine improved my mind, body and spirit. Not only did I look good, but I seriously felt good about myself. All of these things in my routine benefitted my physical and emotional health. All of these things were choices that had everything to do with me, and no one else.
5. Reflect on Your Experience
At the end of your break, take time to reflect on your experience. How did you feel without the constant buzz of notifications, and social media updates? Did you notice any changes in your mood or productivity? Did you feel more zen? More calm? This reflection can help you make informed decisions about your phone and social media use moving forward.
As we all continue navigating this ever evolving digital landscape, we must trust that there is a balance. Prioritizing your well-being and reclaiming time for yourself is crucial. The next time you feel overwhelmed, consider rediscovering the beauty of life beyond the screen. Your mind, your body, and your spirit will thank you.
