This article has been syndicated from Kaptivating Thoughts, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.
We've all been there... it's a Monday morning and our alarm goes off to get out of bed for work, and we so badly want to start the week off strong and fit in some time for exercise, cleaning, reading or anything else that we enjoy. But, thirty minutes later, we realize we've just scrolled through every social media platform known to humankind, and now we have a late start for the work day. Or, even worse, we realize that we've entered the dangerous comparison game that social media often comes with.
I'm the first to admit the benefits of social media — there's nothing better than being able to connect with so many people on different platforms — but lately, I've also come to realize the importance of a social media detox. Taking a few days away from it is always a good thing—and once you step away from it for a while, you'll be able to form healthier social media habits for the long-term.
1. You'll have more "you" time.
Take a moment to reflect on how much time you spend staring at your phone screen each day. Is it a half hour? An hour? A few hours? Now, imagine using that time to do something you completely love doing — exercising, reading, crafting, hiking or anything else under the sun. Doesn't that sound so much more inspiring and fun than scrolling through your Facebook feed?
2. No more comparison game!
I'm sure we've all been in a situation where social media has brought our spirits down, whether it's seeing our friends out having a blast (#FOMO!) or comparing ourselves to someone we may think is better/smarter/stronger/prettier/etc. Well, rather than ending up six months deep in that person's Instagram feed, let's take the time to realize what we love about ourselves and remember that no one has a perfect life — we only see the flashes of "perfect" moments they share on social media.
3. You can develop strong morning and evening routines.
Am I the only one who used to spend upwards of 30 minutes every morning and about two hours each night just scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest? No? Well, if you're in that boat, imagine how awesome it would be to develop super strong morning and evening routines that DON'T include social media. You can make time for exercise, yoga, stretching, podcasts, crafting, TV shows that inspire you or anything else with all that free time you're clearing up!
4. You'll be able to thoroughly enjoy each moment through your own eyes rather than a screen.
What was something you've experienced in the past month that was super exciting/inspiring/fun? Were you watching it through your own eyes or through a screen? If your answer was "Well, Kelly, I guess I actually was recording it on my Instastories now that ya mention it..." then we have some work to do. I completely understand wanting to capture the great moments and be able to watch them over and over, but you'll feel so much better if you just enjoy it and take it all in. And, you'll start to realize how many people see their lives through their phones and that concept will become crazy to you!
Read the full post here.