At some point, many of us have felt the need to take a break from social media. Whether it’s from feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending notifications or from realizing how much of our lives we’ve been wasting scrolling through the feed, there are plenty of reasons to step away from our devices for a while. Going cold turkey, however, is a much bigger step than just taking a few days off. If you’re considering it, here are five reasons you should stop going on social media cold turkey, so you can make an informed decision before taking such a big leap.
1. You’ll Rediscover Your True Self
One of the best reasons to go on a social media detox is to rediscover who you are outside of the virtual world. We often build an identity on social media that’s different than who we are in real life, mostly because we’re consumed by the need to show off or compete with others. When you step away, you’ll be able to take a step back and reconnect with yourself, your values, and your interests.
2. You’ll Get Back to Your Priorities
When we’re constantly connected to our phones, it’s easy to forget about the things that really matter. When you’re scrolling through your feed, how much time are you actually spending on the things that you want to be doing? Going on a social media hiatus will give you a chance to refocus and get back to your life’s priorities.
3. You’ll Create More Meaningful Relationships
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, but it can also be a barrier to forming meaningful relationships. Without having access to someone’s profile, you’re forced to have real conversations and get to know them in person. This will help you build genuine relationships that are much more rewarding than just following someone’s life from afar.
4. You’ll Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Social media is a double-edged sword; while it can be a great way to stay up to date and connected, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. We often compare ourselves to others, get overwhelmed by the amount of information, or become addicted to being connected all the time. Taking a break and going on a social media detox can help you reduce stress and anxiety and give your mind a break from all the noise.
5. You’ll Increase Your Productivity
Finally, taking a break from social media can help you become more productive. Social media can be a huge distraction, and when you step away, you’ll have more time to focus on your work and get more done. You’ll also be more present in the moment, so you can be more productive and creative with the time that you have.
Going cold turkey on social media isn’t an easy decision, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a break, it’s worth considering. These five reasons are just the tip of the iceberg, but they should give you a better idea of what you can gain from taking a social media hiatus.
