Social Media Time Out

Which social media platform do you need a break from?

Taking a break from media in all forms is like a cleanse for your soul.In this modern age, we seldom question the pervasive presence of the media. Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, telephones, and websites are part of most people’s everyday experiences. They enable us to stay informed while sometimes taking us on amazing journeys. But the content and experiences that these outlets offer also consume space in our minds and can have a profound effect on our emotional state. If you are someone who feels like your life is over saturated with the “buzz” that comes from the media, you may want to consider taking a break. A media fast involves not watching television, reading any newspapers or magazines, checking or sending any emails, or even talking on the phone. On the simplest level, undertaking this fast will free up thinking space. When you are constantly being bombarded with signals coming from outside sources, it can be hard to disassociate yourself, particularly if what you are hearing or reading is negative or stressful. Avoiding the media for a few weeks, or even just a few days, can help you center yourself. As you enjoy some quiet time and reconnect with other interests, the fast may even introduce you to creative aspects of yourself that you didn’t know existed. We may feel like something is lacking from our lives during the first few days of a fast. But it is this emptiness that opens up the space for a more expansive and clutter-free life. Research has shown that both news and television programming can have an intense effect on mood, even causing sadness and anxiety. Without the “noise” of the media running through your head, you are freer to focus your attention inward. Ideas will present themselves to you more readily, and you will find yourself available to revel in the small joys of your own life. You also will be freer to live in the present moment, rather than focusing on what’s going on in the news or your favorite soap opera. A media break can also help you develop a more conscious relationship with news and fictional entertainment. When you aren’t continuously subjected to the media, you are able to look at what you are seeing or reading more objectively. Taking a break from the media may also give you a greater sense of calm, balance, well-being, and a new perspective on life.

Subconscious programming plays a huge part in our daily lives. Which social media platform do you need to edit your friends and content on or need a break from? Which social media platform brings you more joy or alignment?

Social media is a great way to make connections, network and monetize in a day and age where we have unlimited excuses around how to make additional streams of income. But we do need to prioritize how we use it and how often. Do you spend large amount of time being unproductive scrolling? Do you celebrate yourself enough online as much as you do others? Lets start some healthier habits. It may be time for a social media detox. Start by setting a goal of how much time do you want to spend in a day on social media. Set a timer and use that time block wisely. Choose what you love most about social media and use that to help motivate and inspire you. Do you have a day where you unplug fully? Pm routines are very important for good sleep quality. I challenge you to unplug from your phone and not sleep with it right next to you for your brain health at least 1-2 hours before the time you want to start focusing on sleep. Note how your sleep and overall mood is helped by these small adjustments in your daily habits!