LIFE WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA
FIND YOUR WHY:
There are dozens of reasons one might take a break from social media. My ultimate motivation was to prioritize my mental health and self-esteem. Constant exposure to carefully curated images and highlights of others' lives was negatively impacting my self-worth and increasing feelings of inadequacy. I’ve found that some level of ignorance actually is bliss. Without the constant comparison and pressure to present a perfect life online, I've found a greater sense of peace and self-acceptance. This decision has allowed me to focus on my personal well-being, fostering a healthier and more positive self-image.
If you are looking to take a break or quit social media for good, it's important to do so intentionally. With our lives becoming more dependent on social media, having a clear plan in place is crucial. Take the time to consider how this decision aligns with your well-being and overall goals before taking the leap.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
1. BOREDOM:
When we have the constant urge to endlessly scroll social media it becomes increasingly rare to feel the deep boredom that characterized previous eras. Although that may initially seem like a drawback, boredom plays a crucial role in stimulating our brains and nurturing our creativity. Embracing these idle moments can pave the way for activities that are so much healthier for our brains and our lives in general.
2. The Urge to Scroll:
You will still have the urge to scroll. The habit of scrolling is so deeply ingrained in us that it is challenging to break that routine. I've intentionally kept Pinterest on my phone as my guilty pleasure for scrolling. My rationale behind this choice is that Pinterest tends to leave me feeling inspired and motivated. In contrast, most other social media platforms often evoke feelings of jealousy, laziness, or guilt.
3. Less Gossip:
You will no longer know random things about acquaintances. That random person from work that you don’t actually interact with much? You will no longer know about their family vacation drama or strange political opinions. And that actually feels really good because it frees up mental space for things that truly matter to you.
4. Missing Life Updates:
You may miss out on major life updates from actual friends. Engagements, pregnancies, promotions, moves - you might not be the first to know.
I’ll be honest – this has been the hardest part for me. It makes me feel like I’m living under a rock or that I’m not as close with someone as I thought. Remind yourself: Knowing about someone’s life via social media doesn’t determine how close you are to them.
Contrary to that, my closest friends now know to update me personally. I feel honored and grateful whenever I receive special phone calls or texts with exciting news. Chatting and messaging one-on-one has strengthened many of my relationships and means so much more to me than finding out through a social media post.
5. How You Stay Connected Will Change:
You will find a way to keep in touch with the people that matter, but it will take some effort in the beginning.
Each friend or family member communicates best in different ways. Some people are best to call while others love snail mail. Trust in the strength of your connections and the power of your intention to nurture these important relationships.
Also, catching up is much more exciting. Every conversation is like, “tell me EVERYTHING!”
6. Fewer Pictures, Less Aesthetic:
You might find yourself snapping fewer photos, and the ones you do capture may not hold that same aesthetic appeal. When your focus is solely on personal enjoyment, the quality might take a dip. However, this relaxed approach can lead to more playful and unique shots that are truly sensational in their own right.
A grainy vacation photo that would never make it to social media
7. CONFIDENCE:
MOST IMPORTANTLY – You will feel so much better about yourself. It is truly a transformative experience to detach from the constant comparison trap fueled by social media. Being free from the pressure of measuring up to idealized online personas allows you to embrace your unique self and find contentment in your own journey.
Without the constant exposure to carefully curated images, you can confidently navigate life with a renewed sense of self-worth. This freedom leads to a more authentic and fulfilling presence in each moment of your life.
