Taking January off Social Media, lessons so far…..

So we have veganuary, dry January and now Social media break January. I listened to Rangan Chatterjee on a podcast talking about having taken a break from Social Media in the summer and what his experience was (well worth giving it a listen). I am aware during lockdown restrictions that my scrolling on Instagram and Facebook has increased, I felt short on time as I was continuing to work remotely, I had lots of books I wanted to read and studying I wanted to do so decided to give it a go. I put a notice on my accounts to say I was taking a break for January and removed the apps from my phone and ipad, the rest was discipline which I have in buckets being a capricorn! So on 1st January in the morning I wished everyone a happy 2021 and my break began.

My immediate experience surprised me, I felt relief - yes relief!

I felt that I stopped being on duty, almost like I was working, and that It was something that I no longer needed to take care of or engage in. The relief swept over me and I felt my body physically relaxing from tension, my mind began to relax more and not engage in as much worry - this is strange social media is supposed to be fun - right?

Don’t get me wrong, half way in as I am now, I miss the interactions with friends on facebook. Keeping up to date with old friends and their lives, being supportive to people going through stuff at this time and spreading hearts on their posts. Instagram I love for the visuals and for people I don’t know, but share common interests with - yoga, food, mindfulness etc. It helps to feel part of a community, especially for folks like me who are living on their own, yes I have bubbles, but miss that interaction with different people.

But look at the photo on my post - this was the biggest shock to me - my screen time went down on average 2 hours and 47 minutes a day, yes I am going to say that again, I have reduced my screen time by 2 hours and 47 minutes a day! And I have managed to fill this time with more ‘me’ time and more ‘being’ time which has resulted in my being and feeling much more relaxed and also remembering times before social media, growing up and teenage years when we had less to think about.

So my mid way review is very much a mixed bag, I have enjoyed more ease in my life and more time for reading, studying and doing the things I enjoy (like more dancing!). I have felt more creative too, which is an interesting observation. I have missed the interaction though, and I think this may get harder, I have messaged friends today to reach out and just say Hi I’m still here and how are you doing. I will continue with another blog at the end of the month, where I guess I will have formulated a plan going forward to find the balance of how social media is going to sit in my life.

Please share any comments or experiences you have …..

Wendy x