Social media can be wonderful. Most of us love getting on Facebook and seeing what our family and friends are up to, enjoying new pictures and status updates. However, if you're not careful, you could get in the habit of spending a lot of time on social media sites like Facebook – time that you could be using for things that truly benefit your life.
If you're like most people, you probably get on Facebook with the intent of only scrolling for a few minutes. Your intent in good, but you may end up scrolling for much longer. Maybe you got sidetracked or someone started chatting with you. Or perhaps you started checking out what all your old classmates are up to.
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You may not realize just how much time you’re really spending on the wonderful entertainment hub of Facebook. And, for some people, all that scrolling can become addictive.
Taking A Break From Facebook
It wouldn’t hurt to take a little break from Facebook, regardless of how much time you’re spending on it each day.
The following are five reasons you might want to take a break from Facebook:
1. You’ll Get Back to Communicating The Old Fashioned Way
Since the days of social media, many people have decreased the time they are communicating face-to-face with family and friends. They pretty much stick to Facebook for conversation and community.
Now, this isn't all that bad, but plenty of people long for a deeper connection; one where you actually see someone in person. You just can't get that when you're scrolling Facebook, liking posts, or commenting.
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If you take a break from Facebook, make the intent to really connect with your loved ones via a video call, phone call, or getting together for a visit. While you're at it, see if you can deepen your relationship. You may even want to get out in your neighborhood and talk to those who are sitting on their porch, doing yard work, or out for a walk as well. Remember what it’s like to live without social media and online communities.
2. You Can Spend More Time Outside
It's easy to spend most of your day inside at work and at home in front of screens. Whether it's your computer, mobile phone, tablet, or television screen, time spent outside can go by the wayside. When you take a break from Facebook, make a commitment to get outside more often. Go explore your neighborhood and your town. Take a new look at the trees and flowers, feel the breeze of the wind, and smell nature's amazing aroma. You're likely to become quite refreshed in a way that Facebook could never do for you.
3. You Will Like Yourself More
It's easy to scroll Facebook and think that everyone else has an amazing life. Most people on Facebook seem super happy living the best lives. This can cause you to wonder what’s wrong with you, especially if you’ve been struggling lately. You may wonder why you’re not feeling ultra-happy and content.
Or, you might compare yourself to those on Facebook, feeling shame and fearing that you don’t measure up. The thing about Facebook is that most people only portray themselves in a positive fashion on this social media site. You'll see all their happy pictures and status updates, but they're not usually posting about their emotional issues or horrible days. You won't usually see them complaining about how lonely, depressed, anxious, etc. they truly are.
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When you take a break from Facebook, you get to harness more of your energy for yourself. You take the break time to think less about others and their lives and more about yourself and your own life.
- Are you practicing self-care regularly?
- Are you finding value in meaning outside of social media sites?
- Do you feel like your life is empty without Facebook?
- How can you add more richness to your life outside of social media?
These are exceptionally good questions to ask yourself and do a little exploring within.
4. You Can Break Your Addiction To Facebook
About how many times do you check Facebook a day? When you're bored, do you pull up Facebook? Do you get on Facebook as soon as you get up in the morning? Is it the last thing you look at before going to bed? On average, how much time are you spending on Facebook each day?
It's easy to become addicted to a social media site. You may not even realize that you're addicted to it, until you decide to take a break from it.
Here's an idea.
Decide to take a break from Facebook for three days. Do you think you can do it? You'll find out real fast if you’ve become dependent on Facebook once you start this break. If you think you'll struggle, you could take the Facebook app off your phone or tablet temporarily. That way, when you get the craving to open up Facebook when you're feeling bored, it won't be there.
Of course, not everyone is addicted to Facebook. But still, there are plenty of valuable things you can learn when you decide to take a break from it. You may even realize just how much more free time you have each day.
5. You’ll Experience Less Anxiety
You may experience less anxiety if you take a break from Facebook. While some people say scrolling Facebook relaxes them, experts tend to think that social media may cause people more anxiety.
Why?
It’s easy to compare yourself to others, as mentioned. It’s also easy to feel fear when you read posts that evoke fear, such as the world ending, or aliens are coming to take over the planet.
Being in front of technology often can cause a spike in anxiety. Taking a break from social media may help you reconnect with yourself in a way that helps you feel more relaxed. Leave your devices, go outside, and let the sun and nature nourish you mind, body, and spirit. Or, spend more quality time with family and friends.
Should You Take A Break From Facebook?
Not everyone will feel like they need a break from Facebook. That’s fine. But some people may be able to admit that they’ve become accustomed to living a large part of their days scrolling Facebook. They may see that it’s a time waster.
Does this sound like you?
Do you know how much time you spend on Facebook on any given day?
Would you like to take a break?
If so, set a goal to go without getting on Facebook for a few days or more. Take note of the positives that come as a result. The break may help you realize some things you wouldn’t have if you’d never taken that break