5 Benefits of a Social Media Detox: Should We All Take One?

If you are like many people these days, your social media use has probably gotten out of hand. Maybe you do not realize it, but if you check your Instagram right before you go to bed, or tweet during dinner time, you probably have a problem. Of course, no one expects you to disappear from the interweb; however recent articles suggest that everyone take a social media detox now and then.

In entertainment news, reality star-turned-model Kendall Jenner received media attention after suddenly deciding to delete her Instagram. She left without any warning, and many media outlets reported on the sudden disappearance. As a response, Jenner decided to go on the Ellen DeGeneres and explain herself.

“I just wanted to detox. I just wanted a little bit of a break. I’m always on it,” she admitted.

“I would wake up in the morning and look at it first thing. I would go to bed, and it was the last thing I would look at. I felt a little too dependent on it.”

Jenner’s decision prompted several articles suggesting more people consider taking a social media detox from time to time. Considering the hectic year that just passed, perhaps we all need a bit of a break. A break does not necessarily mean cutting out social media completely. Perhaps you just need to set up boundaries that help boost your mental health.  If you are like me, social media might be part of your job, but you can always cut down on looking at your phone at night, or texting while driving, right? Right.

Here are 5 Benefits of a Social Media Detox

1. Stops the Comparison Cycle

Whether you are aware of it or not, social media makes us compare our progress in life to others. Scientists have discovered that most people who use social media compare themselves. The problem with this is that it can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and mental health. Taking a break from social media allows you to reconnect with the good things in your life and helps you break this unhealthy cycle.

2. Improves Your Overall Mood

Studies have determined the more time you spend on social media; the more likely you are to develop depression. Considering depression affects over 15 million adults, this is a major problem. Also, studies reveal the more time you spend on social media, the more you become stressed and unhappy.

If you have been stressed, anxious or depressed lately, it might be a good time to take a social media detox. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but your mood will begin to improve as you stay away from Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.

3. Reconnects You With the Real World

Do you find yourself spending more time talking to people online than in real life? You are not alone.  People who spend tons of time online report feeling lonely and isolated in real life. They also are likely to suffer from a weakened immune system. The good news is you can boost your mood by going out in public. Go to your favorite park or people-watch at your favorite coffee shop. Exposing yourself to places outside of the internet allows you to make new friends and interact.

4. Helps You Let Go of the Past and Live in the Moment

Do you tend to track every life event on social media? This is not healthy in the long run. There have even been couples who update their marriage status from the altar immediately after getting married. While it is fun to update everyone on your life, it also removes you from the moment. A social media detox helps you refocus on the present. It also helps you stop living in the past which means you’ll stop stalking your exes facebook for new photos. Letting go is a good thing.

5. Frees Up Your Time

Lastly, social media takes up a bulk of your time. Taking a social media detox will help you assess your time management skills. You will realize how much time goes into updating your Twitter, Facebook and scanning your wall for funny cat videos. With all that free time, maybe you can fit in exercising, reading a book, or some other activity you have lost consistency with. Perhaps learning a new language is on your radar. Whatever it is, taking a break from social media will help you evaluate your time.

Overall, while social media has many benefits, like anything less is more. Perhaps a social media detox could be the right thing for you to do. Mental health should always be your priority. If you are struggling with mental illness or addiction, do not wait. Call now. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.

Author: Shernide Delva