Social media detox

In the past years, we have seen how social media has grown and evolved tremendously. Today, there are more than 30 platforms that give us the opportunity to connect with people all over the world. It is a public space where we all have access to see information, share it and give our own point of view. At the same time, we are exposing our publications in the eyes of others.

It is important to highlight that even though we are behind a screen, other people will see everything we publish and write. This means that even if they don’t see us in person, we must have values and ethics when making a publication (own or to another person). Words can be very powerful.

It is not a secret for anyone that our head is more congested with these types of platforms. There is a lot of information that our brain receives every day and although we do not realize we are saturating ourselves. If social networks are used properly, can be a great tool. They can help to communicate, educate, to be connected with friends, or to find people with the same interests, among other things. It is also a way to get closer to our idols and get to know them a little more closely.

How far has social media taking us?

In a way or another, we have all at some point felt that we need the validation of others to be well with ourselves. This is a very big mistake. We cannot base our actions on the opinions of others.

Many of the things we see on the Internet are manufactured, with a production team behind every photo we see. It is important to be as transparent as possible.

For many, social media has not been a positive tool. If not used correctly, this can have important consequences that put mental health at risk.

How to know if you need a social media detox?

You feel the need to publish everything you do
It makes you anxious not to be checking your social networks every minute
You stop doing important tasks because you are watching publications
Every time you check your social networks, your confidence is in doubt
Have trouble sleeping
You are more interested in the profiles you see and not in your real life
Feel lonely
Headache and eyestrain
Depression
Not be present at the time of day
Compare your life with what you see on social networks
Don’t realize you’re wasting time

Like any detox, keep in mind that this can take time. A detox is a rest that helps balance the body and mind to fill them with good energy. It is more than a discipline challenge, it is self-love. If you are aware that you need a detox, you are on the right track, it is already an important step.

Start by disconnecting completely from your social networks for a few hours each day, until you can do it a full day. The world won’t stop spinning if you’re not connected. While you disconnect you can go for a walk, go for a coffee, read a book, go to a park, eat ice cream, read the newspaper. You can also see my weekly dose of inspiration, there are always several options to disconnect
Delete applications from your phone. Almost all of these platforms have the option to use on the computer. In this way, you can continue reviewing them but not with the same frequency and thus limit the time you spend on them.
Do not follow accounts that make you feel bad or that do not contribute to your life.
Consciously review your own publications. Just as you use filters or retouching in photos many more people do too, many hire a designer who can do magic on the photos.
If you are connected for an hour watching photos, you can use that same time to call a friend or even go for coffee together. Smartphones give you the option to limit screen time and even give you a weekly report. It would be nice to review these reports to see how much time you use on social networks (from your phone).
There are important moments where it is necessary to be disconnected: When waking up, when we are eating, when we are talking to someone, before sleeping, when we are exercising, on weekends.

If you notice that this is very difficult for you, you need to seek professional help from a psychologist. Mental health is not a game and it is transcendental to pay attention.