It's Time for a Break
Social media: it's our boredom buster, our "socialization" (but not really), our favorite way to share our lives. I love scrolling aimlessly through Instagram-especially because I follow so many inspiring accounts-but there reaches a point where I realize that I'm wasting so much of my valuable time looking at pictures of gourmet cookie dough and my friends' seemingly "perfect" lives. Don't get me wrong, I am aware that we all only show the GOOD on these platforms, and that we all have struggles in my life, but regardless, it can be stimulation overload.
I recently traveled to Austria for ten days and I didn't have cell service. I was reliant on hotel and restaurant wifi for any connection to the internet. And even though I knew I couldn't check any apps, it was astounding how many times I checked my phone reflexively! Standing on the subway, walking across town... my cell phone has become a part of me.
Most surprising was my overwhelming urge to go on my phone during dinners out-a time and place where it is especially necessary to be social! This was my true wake-up call: I use my phone as an escape from socialization and an aid in my anxiety struggles. And that's not how I want to live my life.
It was so nice to be able to put my phone in my backpack and explore the amazing country without any silly distractions. In the moment, what could be more important than taking in every experience with all of my attention?
It's crazy that it took literally having no service for me to fully realize my addiction to my cell phone. But it's something to think about: how many times a day do you pick up your phone and refresh your feed or timeline? How many Snap Chat stories do you watch every lunch break and end up feeling envious of your friends who are lounging at the beach? Chances are, we're all missing out on so much because we have our heads stuck in our phones! Luckily, if we are aware of this, we can make a change.
So I challenge you to put down your phone! Spending a day at home? Stick it on airplane mode and only use it to blast your favorite jams. Make a new recipe you've been dying to try, clean your bathroom (ugh, I dread it), organize your vacation photos... you'll be amazed at all the to-do list things you can tackle! Going out to dinner with friends? Leave your phone in your bag and don't take it out until you're ready to leave. Make a mental note of when you turn to your phone for entertainment and try to limit the number of times you unlock your phone. When I was overseas, I always knew that nights in my hotel would be my dedicated time for scrolling, so it was something to look forward to. At first, it might be hard to resist the temptation to check your notifications, but after a little bit, it'll get so much easier and feel like a weight lifted off of your shoulders. You can get chores done, be fully present in conversations, and enjoy the little things more.
Life can be incredibly chaotic and stressful, so it's important to start to recognize our triggers and things that stress us out. Every small step is big progress towards increased happiness and better control of our anxiety and mental health. The process may not be easy, but it's worth it in the end.
Have any tips for balancing your online and offline life? Let me know in the comments below! :)