FOMO No More: The Power of Taking a Social Media Break
“We don’t realize how far we’ve come unless we pause and take a break.”
March 2023 has been an extra-busy month for me. As someone known for being a workaholic, I juggled multiple commitments, including my daytime job, volunteer work, and preparation for further studies during this time.
Being involved in various activities can feel overwhelming. While it was a fantastic experience, the constant context-switching, lack of good sleep, and a long list of unfulfilled tasks left me overwhelmed and on autopilot mode. I realized that I was reacting to what others were telling me to do without taking the time to consider my own needs.
Thankfully, the Holy Week in the Philippines provided the perfect opportunity for me to take a break, pause, and reflect on the first quarter of 2023. I knew I needed to escape social media and disconnect from the world’s noise. But, I also recognized that a social media break is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s essential to take a social media break mindfully so that it serves its intended purpose.
A mindful social media break meant reflecting on our priorities and resetting our goals. It was a chance to recharge and return to our commitments with renewed purpose.
It’s important to recognize when we need a break and to take it without guilt or shame. After all, a little bit of rest can go a long way in helping us achieve our goals and live our best lives.
As I took a social media break, here are the things I learned:
1 — By blocking social media in your everyday life, you can become more mindful and present with your surroundings. For example, I took this time to bond with my family members at home.
2 — You are establishing a healthy boundary for yourself by reducing your time with unproductive social media scrolling. I used this short break to plan my Quarter 2 goals and next steps.
3 — You will realize that you have a lot of time to do the things you used to love. I started reading books again, listening to podcasts, watching TV series (it’s the well-beloved “Maria Clara at Ibarra” this time!), and even playing games!
4 — Taking a social media break is beneficial for our mental health. Whether we are aware of it or not, mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds can hurt our mental well-being.
5 — Experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) is a common and valid feeling when taking a social media break. So, it’s understandable to feel the urge to check in on our friends and keep up with the latest updates. However, it’s important to remember that this feeling will pass, and taking a break for our well-being is okay. So, don’t be too hard on yourself, and trust that everything will still be there when you return.
Indeed, taking a mindful social media break can be an incredibly beneficial practice, especially in our fast-paced world, where we often forget to take a step back and reflect on our lives. It allows us to reset our priorities, recharge our energy, and become more present in our daily lives.
As someone who has experienced the positive effects of a social media break firsthand, I highly recommend it to anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Not only does it benefit our mental health and well-being, but it can also positively impact our relationships with loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
Remember, self-care is not selfish. We must prioritize our health and well-being to show up as our best selves. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out or want peace, consider taking a social media break. You might be surprised by how much of a positive impact it can have. 😉
