A few weeks ago I decided to take a break from social media. Cold turkey, pretty much, with a small exception allowing me to check two platforms once or twice each Sunday. Previously, I’d considered reducing the amount of social media I browse on a daily basis, and I had temporarily done so. But I had never made such a drastic change before.
From day one, it was like a weight had been lifted off me. I had wanted and needed this break for a long time, but I hadn’t been able to do it. Now that I had set a rule for myself, all I had to do was follow it! I honestly thought it would be a lot harder. (I’m a pretty good rule follower, you see, so long as the rules are fair. I am, after all, an attorney!)
I’m not leaving social media for good, though, and I don’t think that’s necessary unless someone absolutely wants to or feels they need to. Still, I have gained so much from this hiatus that I plan to keep a healthier balance going forward.
What my social media break has blessed me with:
I am less miserable. Meaning, I mope around a lot less. I’m talking about the typical turmoil and mood changes many of us moms experience, especially if we’re deeply sensitive people.
I have better body image. It isn’t like I was following bikini models on social media before or anything. I honestly have a very well curated set of accounts I follow — or so I like to think — but for some reason, I now worry a lot less about the way my body looks or how much I like it. I haven’t “let go” of the thinking that it’s important to maintain good health and stay active. I simply have better body image. Period.
I am less stressed out. I feel a shift in my nervous system almost. I’m less on edge about all the things in the day to day. I still get stressed, at times — I mean, I’m human. It’s just less so.
I am able to bounce back from anxiety and overwhelm a lot faster. This one is a biggie for me. I have had pretty good tools to deal with feelings of anxiety for some time, but in the past couple of years those tools seemed to be less effective, and I had been spending more time in my anxious feelings. I have noticed a pretty marked improvement in this area, and it feels so much lighter in my mind.
I still know what’s going on in the world. I haven’t blocked all channels of information about my surroundings and the bigger picture. It’s just social media. I am not ignoring the reality of the world. I can still discern what important news or situations are worth looking into or learning more about.
I have more time to READ. I love reading, and I’m doing more of it! I love having reading time with my kids where we each read our own books all snuggled up on the couch. This is a favorite!
I have taken up some brain-stimulating activities, like online crossword puzzles, spelling games, and the ever-popular Wordle, which I had avoided during its peak (and it turns out I’m really good at it!).
So, do I recommend a social media detox? Yes, I do.
The benefits are seemingly endless. I have missed some aspects of social media. And yet, I wouldn’t change this for the world. I do not plan to quit social media, but this has been such an eye-opener. I know I will keep a tighter leash on myself with it. It’s so worth it. I’m so worth it.
And so are you, mama. If you ever think you should scroll social media less, that’s your sign that it might be a good idea to reign it in or take a break altogether. If your mood ever changes for the worse while you’re scrolling, that’s another sign. Take the break. Go for it. Set some rules and follow them — even if just for short periods of time. The benefits will be countless — I can guarantee it!
