However, social media can also start to take over our lives.
According to research and the experts, amazing things.
I recently spent a week away with my family at a cabin without internet or cell service.
Ward-Wallace told me that her family noticed they felt closer, more relaxed, and more connected to nature.
They were also more physically active and slept better.
Not bad for just two weeks without the phones.
You might feel withdrawal
Here’s a tough little piece of reality to swallow.
We may actually be addicted to checking our social media channels.
“For the first few days I experienced anxiety and other symptoms of withdrawal.
I felt like I should be productive with cleaning, working, doing something,” said Ward-Wallace.
“I definitely felt the lure of the phone to check emails and social media.
Be honest with yourself.
Would your hand feel weird if it didn’t have a phone in it?
I know mine would.
Maybe it’s time to give this a try.
“The thing about social media is that it constantly interrupts us,” Joanne Cantor, PhDtoldReaders Digest.
Focus on one thing at a time to get the most done.
You’ll sleep better
I often spend my evenings winding down with social media.
I’ll keep updated with friends' adventures on Instagram or search for new recipes on Pinterest.
However, start noticing just how often you’re reaching for your phone.
You’ll feel more confident
We all know that social media feeds are highlight reels.
Everyone is busy posting pictures of their latest vacation or a #TBT picture from their wedding.
No one is posting about the mundane stuff.
“We often see pictures about vacations, fun activities, and photoshopped bodies.
This leads to comparisons, which, inevitably, can affect your self-esteem.
It’s all too easy to think, ‘why are they so happy when I’m struggling?’
The truth is, we don’t know what is truly going on with people’s lives.”
All participants had to check in and relinquish their social media devices and smartphones,” said Bais.
Fortunately, that initial anxiety won’t last forever.
Just remember that it will be worth it.
You’ll be more creative
I love this benefit of taking a social media fast.
During my vacation from social media, I did a lot of journaling and reflecting on my business.
I was struck by how stagnant and uninspired my life had become," she told theHuffington Post.
“I was bored.
My husband always says, ‘If you’re bored, you’re boring.’
And he’s right.
The numbing effect of social media made me boring.”
Gaddis had lost her own unique creativity, and it took time to get it back.
Gaddis experienced all of this after just 30 days off social media.
“Giving up the stream of everyone else’s consciousness allowed me to step back into my own.
Is it time to give up social media?
All you oughta do is take an occasional break.
Also pay attention to how you react to others' statuses.
Make small changes in the beginning and monitor how you feel.
