It seems impossible to live these days without social media. For many, it’s part of their job to be online sifting through posts and stay on top of trends, others turn to platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter for news, and some just scroll through for funny videos or to pass the time. Whatever the reason, social media is a major presence in our life and while there’s many positive aspects, there can be a downside as well. Depression, anxiety, negative emotions and loneliness have been linked to social media platforms, according to UC Davis.
Social media isn’t going anywhere so learning how to limit screen time is healthy and can have a positive impact. Best Life spoke with people who went on a social media detox and here’s the surprising beneficial ways taking a break made a difference.
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Increased Productivity
ShutterstockIt’s amazing how much we spend online and when we step away, we have time for more things. =Edward White, Head of Growth at beehiiv, was stunned by the boost in productivity. “I found it valuable to explore how disconnecting from these platforms could impact my well-being and productivity,” he says. “This experience offered unexpected insights into the balance between online engagement and personal focus, which I believe would resonate with many professionals today.”
More Free Time
ShutterstockAccording to Datareportal, the average user spends 2 ½ hours a day on social media, which adds up. Tammy Shaklee, Relationship Expert, Founder & President of H4M Matchmaking became inundated with the amount of information she consumed from the platforms.
“I’m a bit of a news junkie, and with the constant stream of information available 24/7, I started feeling overwhelmed,” she explains. “It was taking up too much of my free time, so I decided to take a break for a week.”
Mental Clarity
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The initial shock of not engaging on social media can be jarring and for White, he struggled with not checking his phone constantly. “The biggest challenge was breaking the habit of instinctively reaching for my phone during quiet moments, which revealed just how ingrained social media had become in my daily routine,” he shares. “At first, it felt unsettling, like I was missing out, but that feeling gradually faded into relief as I enjoyed more mental clarity.”
Spent More Time With Spouse
ShutterstockSocial media can be so consuming that it takes time away from loved ones, often without realizing it. “I removed the news app, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter from my iPhone and deleted their icons from my laptop,” says Shaklee. “ I even locked myself out since I didn’t have my passwords memorized. It brought me closer to my husband and allowed me to use my free time more wisely, but it also felt like I needed to reprogram my brain or reboot it.”
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Didn’t Have FOMO
iStockFear of missing out can be hard when it comes to social media, but White learned he didn’t really need to be as online as much as he was prior to the detox. “One key takeaway was the realization that I don’t need to be constantly connected to stay informed; curated breaks can be both refreshing and productive, he explains.
More Meaningful Conversations
ShutterstockAnother positive impact White experienced was the freedom to take on hobbies and connect with others. “I engaged in activities I’d neglected, such as reading books, journaling, and getting outdoors for longer walks,” he shares. “I also found that my conversations became more meaningful because I was less distracted by checking notifications.”
How to Stop Using Social Media
ShutterstockIf you’re thinking about a social media detox, start by removing apps from your phone to avoid the habit of continually checking. Reconnect with family and friends and make an effort to be present in person instead of chatting with others online. Stay busy offline and focus on activities.
“Try dedicating time to languages, word games, card games, puzzles, or even scheduling phone calls with family and friends, Shaklee recommends. “Engage more with people you know rather than just viewing content from strangers.”
