
How to Ease Into a Social Media Break
Top: c/o Chicwish ($42)
Jeans: M1858 ($59)
Shoes: Kelly & Kate ($39.99)
Bag: c/o Moda Luxe ($70, extra 20% off with code ‘RACHML20’)
Sunglasses: c/o Sunglass Warehouse ($13.95)
Taking A Social Media Break Is A Thing
Doesn’t it sound silly to write a post about how to ease into a social media break? It seems silly because it seems so easy to do, yet in fact going cold turkey on social media can be quite difficult. The truth is, technology is everywhere and unavoidable to the point that we are accustomed to rely on our phones, tablets, computers, etc. With the easy access to technology comes an easy access to social media.
Social Media is Good Too
Don’t get me wrong, I think social media is great. I have connected with so many wonderful people that I never thought I would have had the opportunity to connect with if it was not for social media. And for that I am forever grateful. Ever since I started blogging, it has led me to be more active on social media, and with the changes to Instagram’s algorithm, it requires more time dedication. However, being on social media can be subconsciously addicting and we lose that aspect of being present and enjoying the moment and life. Most of the time, things on social media can wait.
Therefore, there are practices that I have done that helped me ease into a social media break. Basically, it has helped strike a proper balance. I feel more present day to day and can also enjoy the perks and benefits of social media as well.
4 Tips to Ease Into a Social Media Break
- Phone face down.
If you have your phone out in front of you and you are with other people, put your phone face down. That way you don’t get distracted by the notifications popping up on your phone. If you are like me, when I see something pop up, I am tempted to respond right away. Of course if you have something urgent, I recommend setting an alarm. For instance, I need to take my medications at the same time every evening and they usually occur during dinner time. So I have my phone by me so I can hear the alarm and remind me to take my meds.
- Leave it in your purse.
If you are still tempted to check your phone even if it is face down, leave your phone in your purse (or coat, etc). During meals and important family gatherings and parties, I don’t want to touch my phone. Once I do, I go in a rabbit hole checking social media. So just leave it some place safe and come back to it when you truly need it. - Select a designated time.
I also find dedicating a specific time during the day (or evening) for social media really helps me. That way it does not interfere with the rest of your day or evening and whomever you are with knows when they can engage with you. For someone who is a blogger it has helped Tre and I a lot because we both know what to expect during this dedicated time. Social media is a lot of work when it is a big aspect of running your business. This dedicated time helps me also enjoy social media versus trying to fit it into my life. - Turn off social media notifications.
Similar to #1 and #2, that way you are not tempted to want to check your phone all the time. Like I said, most of the things occurring on social media can wait. There are different ways someone can reach out to you if it is important or urgent.
I hope these tips will help you with easing into a social media break. After you have become accustomed to these, taking a real social media break (or some like to call it a social media detox) will be much easier. I have taken social media detoxes and it is so refreshing (maybe a bit too much haha – YOLO!). I usually take these breaks during the weekend. Being away from it has helped me feel refreshed and avoid the ‘blogger burnout’, and I have become more present.
Have you taken social media breaks? What other tips do you have?
xo RD
So very important, nothing beats real face to face interaction and our brains need to declutter! Love the outfit, that bag and YOU are so cute!
Right?! Face to face is the best kind of connection!
Thanks for sharing this girl! All such great tips to ease into a social media break. I think it’s so important to take breaks every once in a while to just feel refreshed and to push yourself a little more.
xo, lydia
I couldn’t agree more!
I love scheduling a social media break every few months. It’s SO refreshing.
It really is!
I’d add … turn data off … or go to a place where there’s no coverage … and you’ll learn to enjoy life as it should 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/04/17/chantilly-day-2/
That’s a great suggestion!
This is such an amazing post! I love to detox from social media once a week, usually on the weekends… It helps me focus and want to go back and create more content. Love your tips! Xo, Nelli
Likewise Nelli! It is so nice to just tune out!
Great tips and such a lovely outfit, perfect for Spring!
https://lartoffashion.com
Thanks Natali!
Having your phone face down makes total sense! I agree that taking a break or designating time for social media is best – otherwise it can become too much of a distraction x
http://www.franklyflawless.com
I totally agree!
Love this outfit girl! Your spring looks have been on point, I’ve been so obsessed. Love these tips. It’s painfully obvious that I take many social media breaks haha but I do think they are so important and these tips are so great because I’m glued to my phone especially on the weekends. Love this girl!
http://www.livelaughlinda.com
Thank you Linda and I love your post! Take as much breaks as you need. Social media can always wait but you come first!
Your post could not come at a better timing, I need to apply your tips and take some time away from social media. It’s so distracting!
I hope these tips help!
sometimes we need break from everything and fill our energy! 🙂
https://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs/2018/04/i-let-my-ig-followers-make-decisions.html
I agree!
Great post !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2018/04/life-is-not-about-waiting-for-storm-to.html#more
Thanks!
Great article. I need to do this FOR SURE! Thanks for sharing 🙂
http://www.makaroonsbymak.com
I hope it helps you!
Such a great post, and awesome tips. I think a social media break is so necessary! & love your outfit, this bag is so cute!
Kileen
cute & little
I totally agree and thanks Kileen!
I plan on having a social media break this weekend! These are such great tips and will be so helpful!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
That’s awesome! Enjoy being present!
For me its extra important to hide my phone when Im studying, because if not I get super distracted even checking if I have something new. The problem is that someone I forget to turn on the sound in case someone call me, and it can take me forever to find it again because I don’t remember where did I put it hahahah
Andrea//
https://justohana.blogspot.com
That makes so much sense! I always lose mine and can’t find it either haha!
I always have to put my phone face down and turn off notifications if I need to get things done. Or if I need a break, usually on the weekends I’ll keep it minimal. These are all great tips!
That is awesome Laura!
We all need a break sometimes, and I will feel simply exhausted and want to shut it down for at least a weak every now and then. But your tips might help to take it easiew, and thre will be no need to hold big breaks. Thanks for sharing!
xo Corina
http://unbouquetdamour.com/how-to-do-it-mixing-prints/
I hope these tips help you Corina!
Such great tips! I struggle with this all the time haha. I definitely need to get better about not running to my phone in the morning.
xoxo, Hannah
I hope following some of my tips will help you!
All such great tips! I need to focus on being more present and not constantly scrolling through my phone. Love that striped purse also!
xoxo,
Kim
Thank you Kim! Hope it helps!
I completely agree! These tips are so helpful!
– http://www.youthofthesun.com
Glad you find it helpful!
Great tips! I really need to do a social media detox at some point. Burnout is too real!
Yes! It is so refreshing and nice to not even think about it.
Love these tips- I tend to take an unintentional break over the weekends (unless I’m doing something social-worthy), and it helps me feel refreshed!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Honestly sometimes I deliberately let my phone battery run out so that I will be forced to be away from social media. I love my time off 😀
❥ tanvii.com
Oo I love the way you think! I will try this out next time!
Great pics ♥
https://bebopaalula.wordpress.com
Thanks!
Love this striped bag! So gorgeous and the pastel colors are stunning! http://mariannyc.com/2018/04/16/5-makeup-products-for-spring/
Thank you!
Totally Agree! Social media makes my brain be in overdrive at ALL times. I need a mental break every now and then. Great post!
Yesss same!!
I love the outfit you look amazing and I couldn’t agree more with your tips!
http://www.alessabernal.com/
Alessa Bernal
Thank you Alessa!
Hi Rach
As a concept a break from social media is a great idea.
In reality a little harder to achieve ! Whether you are or are not on social media, be mindful . Mindfulness is the
concept of living in the moment . My tip to start being mindful is to Stop 🛑 multitasking , give your full attention to the task at hand . Multitasking is an idea that does not really work , our brains work best when we apply our full attention , it will also decrease stress, produces better results and puts a racing mind at peace !
A little long winded but I am passionate about calming the mind ! Ciao
Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
I love this!! I couldn’t agree more and I really appreciate you taking the time to share this. I’m sure whomever is reading this will find your thoughts on mindfulness to be helpful as well!
These are so helpful! I am trying trying to work in more scheduled social media – free time.
So glad you find it helpful Anna!
I’ve taken a social media break for the past week and it feels so good! I even thought about leaving my phone at home when I go to work but decided against it! A break goes a long way and is needed sometimes! Hope you are doing well and hope to see you soon!
xo, Sarah
I love that you do breaks and I’m glad your last one was refreshing! I am impressed that you thought of leaving it at home when you go to work.
Cute read dear. It’s amazing how a simple thing like turning off your social media notifications can give you so much time to do other things. Such a liberating feeling! ha!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you Jessica! And so true that it is a liberating feeling!
I think it’s so healthy to take a break. I have been feeling almost trapped lately so this is a great post.
xo,
Steph
@trendyinindy || trendyinindy.com
Glad this post helped Steph!
Easing in is such a good idea. I really need to take a serious social media break one of these days- I’m sure it’s good for the soul!