Why I Took a Break from Social Media (And Why You Might Want To)

Hey friends,

A few weeks ago, I decided to log off from social media for a while. It wasn’t just a “take a day off” kind of thing. It was a conscious decision to step away for a few weeks, to truly be present with my life, and to do a little internal inventory. This is something I’m planning to do at least once (maybe more!) a year because, well, it turns out it’s something I really need.

Before I dive into why I took that break, I want to be clear: I absolutely love social media. For me, it’s such a creative outlet. I get so much joy from curating content, connecting with people who share similar passions, and even just enjoying the beauty of someone else’s perspective. It makes me happy. It lights me up. But there’s a flip side to this love, and I’ve learned it’s easy for the negative side of social media to get loud if I’m not mindful.

In fact, social media and mental health were the subjects I wrote about for my college senior thesis. I’ve always been curious about the relationship between the two, how social media can serve as a connection to the world and a creative space, but also how it can create feelings of isolation, comparison, and overwhelm. The mental health impact can be so subtle, but over time, if we’re not paying attention, it can really start to add up.

During my time off, I took the space to really pour into myself and the life I have in front of me. I focused on the small things that bring me peace. Without the constant pull of notifications or the pressure to keep up with what everyone else is doing, I found that I could actually breathe a little easier. I also made time to reflect on my personal goals, check in with how I was really feeling, and just be present in the moment.

Here’s the thing: taking a break from social media is not about demonizing it. It’s about creating a healthy, balanced relationship with it. So, if you’re wondering how you can make that happen, here are a few tips I found helpful when it comes to stepping away from the screen and creating a healthier relationship with social media:

1. Schedule Regular Breaks
   Taking time off doesn’t have to be drastic or permanent. Start by scheduling small breaks throughout the year. Whether it’s one day a month or a week-long digital detox, giving yourself permission to disconnect can help you recharge and regain balance.

2. Set Boundaries
   It’s easy to get lost in endless scrolling or checking in on apps “just to see what’s going on.” Setting clear boundaries around when and how often you engage with social media can help keep it from taking over your time. Maybe you only check in during certain hours, or perhaps you set a time limit for how long you’ll scroll each day.

3. Be Intentional with Your Time Online
   The content we consume has a big impact on our mental health. When you do log on, be mindful of what you’re consuming. Follow accounts that inspire you, make you feel positive, or help you learn something new. If you find yourself feeling negative or stressed after scrolling, it’s okay to mute, unfollow, or take a break from certain accounts.

4. Find Alternative Activities
   When I took my break, I found it so helpful to have a list of activities to replace the time I’d normally spend online. I made space for the things that truly light me up. Things that didn’t involve a screen. I caught up with friends in person, spent more quality time with my family, and took a few day trips to wellness spots I’d seen online but “never had time” to visit. I had fun experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, went for lots of walks in nature, and finally dove into the books I had been putting off. I also spent time planning some exciting new chapters, and tackled personal projects that had been sitting on the back burner. It felt so good to unplug and pour my energy into things that recharged me, and it really helped me reconnect with myself on a deeper level.

5. Practice Mindfulness
   It’s easy to get lost in the noise of social media, especially when we don’t take the time to really notice how it’s affecting us. Pay attention to your feelings after you spend time online. If you notice any feelings of comparison, frustration, or anxiety creeping up, take a break, and check in with how you’re feeling in real-time. Ground yourself back in the present moment and set your intentions for how you want to interact with social media moving forward.

I can’t recommend taking time off enough. It’s not about rejecting social media, it’s about creating space to reconnect with yourself, your goals, and the life you’re building. We’re constantly bombarded with outside noise, and when we allow ourselves the time to slow down, we open up the space to hear our own thoughts and feelings more clearly.

So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or disconnected lately, consider taking a pause. I truly think your mental health will thank you for it.

Sending you all lots of love and encouragement. You’ve got this! 

Xx Morgan