Many of us are so mixed up with our social media accounts that it’s difficult to remember what we did before the feed. Social media has taken over our lives to a point where it has become toxic.
Excessive use of social media has been linked to increased depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, and other negative effects.
Of course, nothing is healthy in excess amounts – and the time we spend on social media is something we don’t often stop to think about and check.
According to a survey which was conducted across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Norway found that those who used social media for entertainment or to decrease loneliness during the pandemic experienced poorer mental health.
ExpressVPN also reported in a 2021 that 86 percent of 1,500 Americans reported negative impacts of social media on their happiness and self-image.
Social media can also become an addiction.
Which is why it is important to detox and take a break from social media from time to time as it helps you rejuvenate your mind and body.
Benefits of social media break:
Reduces stress and helps you sleep better
Abstaining from social media use for about a week reduced stress in both typical and excessive social media users. The effects were more pronounced in excessive social media users.
Prevents depression, anxiety, and psychological distress
The authors of a 2019 study note that common social media behaviors, such as constantly checking for messages, and addictive use of social media are risk factors for anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.
According to research, social media use is associated with a subsequent increase in self-reported depression symptoms.
Another study done in 2018 found that limiting social media use to about 30 minutes each day significantly reduced feelings of loneliness and depression in undergraduate students after 3 weeks.
Eases anxiety
Social media use can cause FOMO and a sense of inadequacy. This may lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Stepping away from social media may help reduce FOMO-induced anxiety and loneliness.
Boosts mental well-being
The authors of a 2020 study asked 61 participants to abstain from social media for a week. They report a significant increase in mental well-being and social connectedness after the period of abstinence.
They stated, a positive relationship between social connectedness and mental well-being, and a negative relationship between FOMO and mental well-being.
Also see: Teen resents her parents for turning her childhood into social media content
