As I write this, I can feel myself on the brink of needing a break from social media. Every so often I give myself a break - a day or two or three, sometimes, I will go a week.
There are a few signs that tell me I need a break from social media.
Before I share them with you, I want to remind you that the initial act of taking a break from social media can be hard.
You may fear you will miss out. The classic FOMO feeling.
You may fear people will forget about you.
You may be in denial that social media isn’t causing your anxiety, head aches, irritability, depression, comparison hang over, etc.
And all of these fears are absolutely false. They are based in fear and when you inquire each one, you will realize that they hold zero truth.
So let's keep going...
If you’re still reading this, there is a part of you who is craving some peace and quiet and hasn't had the motivation or courage or encouragement to do the damn thing. Well, now is your time!
Here are the 3 signs you need a break from social media:
1.) You are feeling UNINSPIRED or UNMOTIVATED
One of the first signs I notice when I have spent too much time on social media, is that my creative juices are lacking. I am spending more time looking at what everyone else is doing, rather than listening to what I want to do!
If you are feeling uninspired or unmotivated about life or work, get yourself OFF of social media.
2.) You are feeling bad about yourself.
The last place you need to be if you are feeling insecure or anxious is on social media. THE LAST PLACE!!!
There are so many other things that you can do with your time:
Journaling
Meditating
Hiking - getting into nature
Talking with friends/coach/family
Going for a run - EXERCISE
Having a glass of wine and venting with a girlfriend - seriously, this works too!
You are feeling anxious for a reason and being on social media will only ignite fire to your anxiety. Get off.
3.) You are scrolling and scrolling and scrolling
Yesterday, I was on social media looking for something, when I landed on someone’s page and began to scroll through her pictures. Now this can be harmless, unless you start feeling bad about yourself while looking at other peoples photos.
All of a sudden you have made up a story about how AWESOME their life is and how shitty yours is.
If you find yourself doing this, it is INDEED time to get yourself off of social media.
Now, how long do you go off for?
First, start with 24, 48, or 72 hours. If you feel like you want more, go for a week.
If that seems like a stretch, try doing this:
Try and wait at least 30 minutes to get on social media in the morning and in the evening, turn it off an hour or 30 minutes before bed.
As you ease back into it, again, try and limit your time in the morning and evening. Try and wait at least 30 minutes to get on social media in the morning and in the evening, turn it off an hour or 30 minutes before bed.
If you are reading this, it’s not by accident. Give yourself a break. Your future self will thank you - so will your sanity.
Love,
Sarah