Social media should be a useful platform for us to establish relationships, seek information and entertainment.
But there are times when posting on social media actually makes us tired and experience negative feelings.
“We judge, compare, and daydream about what we see online, so we're not really living our own lives,” says Cleveland Clinic behavioral health therapist Jane Pernotto Ehrman, MEd, RCHES, ACHT.
“Instead, we are trapped in a virtual world that may not be quite what it seems.”
Social media is ultimately vulnerable to making us prone to depression, loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Signs you need a break from social media
Taking a break from social media can be our chance to rest.
We determine the duration ourselves and what needs to be limited, for example disconnecting all accounts or just some of them.
“Staying away from social media is a great way to get a better picture of reality,” says Ehrman.
“This is good for our mental and social health, but it doesn't have to be forever. The whole idea is you just become more aware of it.”
To find out if we currently need a break from social media, here are the signs:
Can't stop comparing myself
Social media often accentuates the achievements of others but that shouldn't make us incapacitated or less satisfied with ourselves.
If you're having a hard time remembering that nobody's life is perfect, despite what other people have posted, it might be time for a break.
Endless scrolling
Social media is an entertainment for many people on the sidelines of daily activities.
But if you can't control and limit yourself, then this is an indication to take a break.
Feeling annoyed with various uploads on the timeline
Feelings of annoyance and anger with various uploads that pass through our timeline, be it politics, personal affairs or other issues, might be a symptom of stress.
Stay away from social media immediately so that the mind is fresh again and ready to join the virtual world again.
Panic if you miss something
Can we spend so much time without worrying about missing out on the latest issues on social media?
Do we always want to upload statuses, photos and other things without stopping?
If so, then it's time for us to detoxify.
Spends a lot of time on social media
We often take the habit of checking social media all the time as something trivial.
In fact, the study found that people interact with their smartphones 2,617 times a day.
Ask the people around us, whether it's parents or co-workers, if we use social media too often.
We have to upload the food first before eating it, have to share the wedding photos that were attended as soon as possible, and spend a lot of time trying to find out how many likes we get.
First thing to check in the morning and last thing at night
One study found that 80 percent of smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up.
This habit is associated with increased stress and anxiety, not to mention taking up our time and attention.
Checking your phone before bed has also been shown to stimulate the brain, making it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
Social media isn't fun anymore
Social media platforms are designed to be fun, interactive and a way for people to connect.
If it's lost its shine and excitement, it might be worth staying away.
