Should you do a social media detox?

As much as social media is a great way to stay connected, nothing is as important as your wellbeing.⠀

Our past blogs have raised the concern of the impact of digital devices on us and our children’s emotional health (Why a Digital Detox? & Digital Detox for Kids).

Here are 6 reasons why you should consider doing a social media detox:

1. Digital devices can disrupt sleep
2. Constant connectivity affects work/life
3. Technology can be stressful
4. Heavy device use may be linked to mental health concerns
5. Social comparison makes it hard to be content
6. Digital connectivity can make you feel like you’re missing out

How to Do a Digital Detox?

Some might suggest that a true digital detox would involve predefined abstinence from any and all digital devices and social media connections, but it is important to make your device usage work for your own life and demands.

Detaching from your devices can benefit your mental well-being but doing a digital detox does not have to involve a complete separation from your phone and other tech connections. The process is often more about setting boundaries and making sure that you are using your devices in a way that benefits, rather than harms, your emotional and physical health.

Have you considered doing a social media detox?

We’ve previously detailed ideas to manage digital dependency and here are our top 5 tips for a practical digital detox to help kick technology reliance:

1. Turn off your notifications to break the ‘instant response’ habit.
2. Set discrete times during your workday to check emails, texts and social media feeds.
3. Put your phone into ‘do not disturb’ mode when you go to sleep.
4. Use an app to monitor your phone usage. You may be shocked at how much you’re on your phone every day!
5. Ask a friend to join you in the change process as a ‘detox buddy’.

We know you can do it and it’s certainly worth it.