Tag: #socialmediadetox

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My Facebook Detox: 30 days later

Posted on by Snippetsofmylife

At the end of March,  I decided to free my mind and time by getting off Facebook.  This was a decision made after hearing a number of rumblings claiming the unsung benefits of doing so.

  • A quieter mind
  • Being more present in the moment
  • Increased social interactions
  • More authenticity in relationships
  • Increased focus and creativity
  • Feeling more positive

So, I logged off…for 30 days.

I have to admit that it was the best decision for me.  The biggest change was being more present with friends and those around me.  My focus when out with my friends or family really centered around that….being together, interacting, and absorbing the experience.  Facebook was no longer part of dinners out or drinks with friends.  It no longer was that “third wheel” popping up to take a picture of a trip, a date, or a night out with friends.

Life without Facebook forced me to talk more.  It gave me back time and perspective.  It freed up time to read more…and I just read an article that talked about how many hours it takes to be friends with someone…90 hours or more (and Facebook comments, likes, and shares don’t count)!  I realized all the time I spent snapping pictures and tagging others…didn’t really matter to most of my Facebook friends.  Really what was the point?  Though family and a handful of friends may have been excited to see my kid scoring a goal, did the majority of FB friends really give a rip about me going out to lunch or hanging out over coffee?  In actuality was I really just making others feel excluded..though never the intent?!? Or did I crave the validation that comes from posting certain pictures?

Going forward…30 minutes of Facebook time is what I am willing to spend each week.  My posts will be limited and probably more thoughtful…keeping in mind that too much of a good thing is never good.

I am so happy with this journey and being able to share it with you!

~It’s all about growth and change…one step at a time~

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My social media detox

Posted on by Snippetsofmylife

Detoxes are hot right now…especially when it comes to health.  People realize the importance of rebooting or resetting their bodies–probably one or more times throughout the year.  I think “detoxes” can apply to any area of your life where you need to refocus and readjust.

How about a mental and emotional detox…starting with unplugging from social media?  I don’t think it is fully realized how social media can affect your mental and emotional health. Though it allows people to instantly connect. It does not offer anything close to the benefits that real-life/face-to-face connections and interactions do.  It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons and self-judgments as one scrolls through the news feeds.  Usage snaps up hours of our time each and every day and week…time we can actually be engaging in authentic relationships with others or spending on a task or activity.

The numerous benefits of unplugging seem worth some attention.  Participants in these so-called social media detoxes have called the experience “life-changing”.  Really?

  • A quieter mind
  • Being more in the moment
  • Increased social interactions
  • More authentic in relationships
  • Increased creativity and focus
  • Feeling more positive

Hmmmm…..

Between work and personal use, I spend a good bit of time on social media. There are times I certainly seem weighed down by it or feel drained after being on it.  So, is all the buzz about unplugging true?

Here goes… no posting, reading news feeds, or commenting/liking posts….totally disengaging … for one month.

Wish me luck!