Disconnect to Reconnect: My Journey with Social Media
Life nowadays can be tough without social interaction. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, connecting with society is crucial for survival. This is where social media plays a significant role. Around five years ago, I decided to sign out from all social media platforms, including Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and LinkedIn (which I used the most). Since then, I’ve embarked on various experiments to understand and use social media effectively, aiming to make life more comfortable and peaceful. 😌
Living Alone in a New City and the Awakening
In 2018, I started my career as a designer, moving to a new city and living alone for the first time after college. The challenges of being in an unfamiliar place and the heartbreak of losing my best friend during that time left me feeling overwhelmed and isolated. 😞 To cope with these emotions, I found myself mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, losing track of time and sinking into sadness.
One day, I stumbled upon my screen time statistics on my phone, and it hit me — I was spending a significant portion of my life on my phone. That realization prompted me to consider signing out from social media. I always made excuses like everyone, fearing I’d miss out on important conversations or updates. However, eventually, I found the courage to take action.
The Detox Journey Begins
I went ahead and signed out and uninstalled all social media apps from my phone. Surprisingly, the absence of constant notifications brought an unexpected calmness to my life. At first, it was difficult to adjust to life without social media, and I felt bored and unsure of what to do. But I decided to use this newfound time productively. I made a list of things I had always wanted to do but never had the time for, such as reading books, painting, and nurturing my relationships. Slowly, I developed these activities into healthy habits.
Outsmarting the Addiction: Tech Tricks
One valuable lesson and a trick I learned from James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” was that making something harder to access can help control addiction. So, I signed up for social media on my laptop instead of my phone. This simple change made me think twice before accessing social media, which, in turn, helped reduce my dependency.
Additionally, I made a conscious effort to switch off unnecessary notifications. As a designer I know that these notifications were designed to trigger our attention and keep me glued to my phone. By silencing most notifications except for essential calls, texts, and emails, I was able to reduce distractions significantly. 🙉
Unfollow or Mute the Negative Influences
We all have those friends or accounts that consistently radiate negativity — posts that leave us feeling drained and disheartened. It’s time to take charge and create a healthier virtual environment.
Don’t be afraid to unfollow or mute those accounts that bring you down. You’re not being rude; you’re simply prioritizing your mental well-being. Surround yourself with positivity and uplifting content instead, and you’ll notice a remarkable difference in your outlook and mood. 😄
Remember, your online experience should be a source of joy and inspiration, not a constant stream of negativity.
Mastering Moderation: Finding Balance
For apps that were necessary for work or studies and couldn’t be uninstalled or signed out, I set time limits. By using the app limit feature on my iPhone (I believe third-party apps are available on Android), I gained control over my daily usage.
I also leveraged the screen downtime feature on my iPhone, which locked all apps except for those I excluded during specified times. This helped me break the habit of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning and before going to bed. I noticed a positive impact on my emotional state, which encouraged me to maintain this practice. 🛏
Sweet Dreams: Activate Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode
Ah, the magic of a peaceful night’s sleep! To ensure you get the rest you deserve, consider putting your phone on DND mode while you snooze away. This nifty feature silences all those pesky notifications and alerts, allowing you to slip into dreamland undisturbed.
Say goodbye to interruptions and hello to uninterrupted sleep! Your phone can wait until morning to shower you with its digital charms. Trust me, a night of good sleep is an absolute game-changer!
Keep Your Mobile Away from Bed
Have you ever found yourself wide awake in bed, endlessly scrolling through apps instead of sleeping? Yeah, been there! But here’s the thing: it’s not doing us any favors. So, let’s try a simple trick I discovered — keep your phone away from your bed. 🛌
By doing this, you’re creating a healthy distance between you and your phone during bedtime. If you really need to use it, you’ll have to get up and grab it. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in getting a good night’s sleep.
If you’re struggling to fall asleep, it’s time for some positive changes. Get moving during the day — exercise, dance, whatever makes you happy! And set up a regular routine for bedtime to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. At first, it might be tough to break old habits, but trust me, once you make these adjustments, you’ll enjoy life with fewer distractions and more meaningful connections.
Social Media and Your Mood
When you’re feeling down, take a break from social media. Trust me, it’s not the best companion when you’re feeling low. It can magnify those negative emotions, leaving you feeling even more sad, depressed, or confused. Instead, let’s switch gears. 💡
Reach out and connect with real people — friends, family, or even make new acquaintances. Go for a refreshing walk and let nature work its magic on your mood. Or why not treat yourself to a little self-care date? You deserve it! Spending time doing what brings you joy can lift your spirits like nothing else.
Remember, life is full of beautiful moments, and sometimes, they are best enjoyed without virtual distractions.
Conclusion: Finding Bliss in Disconnection
And there you have it — my tried and tested tips that have transformed my life over the years. It may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but hey, it worked wonders for me! 😊 Now, I find myself relishing the moments when I’m away from those pesky distractions.
Gone are the days when I felt the need to share every little update of my life on social media. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace the joy of simply enjoying myself, free from the pressures of constant posting and seeking attention.
There’s this profound quote from Sean O’Connell in the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” that stuck with me
“Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.”
And you know what? He’s absolutely right! Now, I take the time to notice and appreciate the beauty in people, places, and most importantly, within myself. 😊
Life is too precious to be lost in a sea of virtual distractions. By stepping back from the social media frenzy, I’ve found a sense of peace and connection that can’t be replaced. I’ve rekindled my love for real-life interactions, where heartfelt conversations and laughter fill my days.
And remember, the real magic happens when we learn to appreciate the small joys and wonders of life without constantly seeking attention. Because, my friend, the most beautiful things are often found in the simplest of moments, waiting to be noticed. So go ahead, live life to the fullest, and savor every beautiful second of it!
So, I encourage you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and mindful social media use. Try these tips, or even create your own strategies — it’s all about finding what works best for you! Embrace those real connections, those genuine moments that make life truly beautiful. 🤗
