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You might be wondering why taking a social media break is important. That's a fair question. We will begin by understanding the need to take a break, and then consider alternatives to it. For starters, you must know that as indicated by psychological research, children who are exposed to excessive screen time as babies are likely to have difficulties with cognitive functions.
Social media has given rise to a digital world. While there are certain advantages, when was the last time you felt happy after scrolling? When was the last time you felt motivated to work after hours of scrolling? Taking a social media break allows you to disconnect from the reel-world and connect to the real world.
Things To Do When Taking a Break From Social Media
If you feel like taking a break from social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, it's vital to engage in other activities that keep your mind stimulated during your downtime. These alternative activities could include:
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1) Pursuing Hobbies
Often hobbies take a back seat due to social media usage. Dedicate some time towards doing something creative
- Try playing musical instruments if these make you happy.
- Get lost in your thoughts by making journal entries.
- Try out different recipes while cooking which might help discover hidden potential within yourself.
- Spend an afternoon gardening with a soothing playlist playing in the background for added relaxation.
2) Catch up on Reading
If reading plays into your interests, then dive into insightful books while sitting comfortably at home. It might broaden both your perspectives and horizons. Choose non-fiction material for practical learning tips on different subjects, like gardening or self-help books for extra motivation for personal change.
3) Explore the Outdoors
Try getting out of your mind and house. Try changing your external scenery by indulging in outdoor fun activities such as hiking with friends & family members. You can also choose to enjoy unique flora and fauna in surrounding beautiful parks near you or simply taking a nature walk to clear your mind of worries.
4) Volunteer
Try volunteering within the local community while taking a social media break. You can also give back through charitable donations. There are an array of ways to make an impactful contribution such as donating time at NGOS, pledging money towards meaningful causes that resonate with you culturally/ socially/responsibly. Try participating in collaborative projects aimed at improving the lives around us. This allows you to create significant change while also appreciating others.
5) Take a Timeout
Try to make complete use of your time while taking a social media break. Take advantage of periods of introspection for establishing life goals based on values and principles. Self-reflection practices include journaling empowering affirmations or engaging in mindfulness exercises that encourage self-awareness. This critical introspective time helps to clarify that you might need for resetting new intentions.
Why Take a Social Media Break?
Taking a Social Media Break has become essential in this day and age. Social media can impact mental health in multiple ways. While social media can be a powerful tool to build connections, it can also create a sense of superficiality or social isolation. While offline connections build empathy, online connections can foster social distancing and social isolation.
Social media can also take you away from being productive. In other words, it can be time-consuming. You might not notice when minutes turn into hours. We can also engage in doomscrolling which can significantly impact your focus and concentration.
Benefits of Social Media Break: Why Taking a Social Media Break is Essential
To avail the benefits while taking a social media break, you can start by acknowledging its impact and disadvantages for your mental well-being. The impact of excessive use of social media on our emotional state is becoming increasingly clear.
With highly selected posts being published regularly on multiple platforms, users may experience feelings of anxiety, stress, or low self-worth as a result of comparing themselves to others based on what’s shown in the selective posts shared by others online.
In order to promote positive emotional and mental health outcomes among users who suffer from this part of the internet experience, it is strongly recommended to plan deliberate breaks during which you step back from these platforms and just focus your attention elsewhere for a short period.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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