In addition, we have probably all experienced the “quick check” of our phones or computers that inadvertently leads to many unplanned minutes (or hours) of use. In one study, for example, people reading on an e-reader at night, compared to those reading a print book, experienced delayed melatonin release, took longer to fall asleep, and felt less rested the next day. This is partly due to the physiological effects of the “blue light” of the screen, which impacts the brain’s production of melatonin, delaying the onset of sleep. Improved sleepĮlectronic media is not your friend when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, especially if it’s used in the hours close to bedtime. By the time I got to class I had become so consumed with my breathing and sense of place I forgot about my phone altogether. Focusing on my breath helped me savor my time being outside and eased my anxiety about not being on my phone. As one young woman reported:ĭuring my walks from my dorm to my classes, I took my time breathing in the fresh air. As children of the smartphone age, some of them were experiencing long periods of uninterrupted attention for the first time in years, episodes of micro-mindfulness that can be deeply nourishing. When students write about their experiences on the fast, one of the most common themes is “present-moment awareness.” Using a range of terms such as presence, sensory awareness, mindfulness, immersion, and flow, fully half of the students spontaneously describe these experiences as a hallmark of their fast, which typically kick in after a day or two. In the fast, I emphasize the importance of breaking the constant checking habit and removing their devices from the flow of their daily experience: during class, in the transitional moments walking from one place to another, in their moments of downtime when they so often turn to their phones to fill in the blank spaces of their lives. Most will need to check and reply to messages at least once a day. Their phones and computers are their main links to family, friends, schoolwork, and other commitments. When I assign the media fast in my classes, I know that a “cold turkey” fast is unrealistic for most students. Yes, I feel like it’s so important to disconnect once in a while.From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being. I asked Twitter about their social media breaks. My social media breaks are flexible, to fit my interests and needs.Ī social media break can be how you want it. one of my best childhood friends just got engaged). So I keep that on during my breaks.īut I don’t engage with the posts I see unless something awesome happens (i.e. I’ve been trolled, or read a Twitter thread that upset me) I don’t avoid social media altogether.įor me, seeing what people are up to is fun. Why? I really enjoy my time on social media, and seeing what people are up to. When I take a social media break, I stop planning, content creation, and daily engagement. My social media life has 3 major components: planning, content creation, and engagement. This type of break may be just what you need.īut it’s not the only way. Like “I’m off Facebook for the summer” type stops. The traditional social media break is a full-stop. People spend 2-3 hours on social media per day. But what a break looks like for me and what a break looks like for you may be different. This week I took a bit of a break from social media. Let’s talk about some of the benefits you get from taking a break from social media. I’m celebrating with this post, to tell you it’s OK to take a break when you need it. It’s a day people come together to consider and celebrate social media in our lives. De Montford University encouraged taking a break from social media by turning off its own channels for a few days. In academia, a break from social media can help everyone, from student to faculty to staff.Ī UK university recognized the benefits it could have for its students. Though there are ways we can have a better social media life. There are many reasons you might need time away from social media.įor all of us, social media can be stressful. And, we all need a break from being social on occasion. This week, I took a bit of a break from social media. I reach hundreds of thousands of people each month. I love that social media makes me feel connected. Social media can help you build meaningful connections, find new readers for your publications, and reach the public. While the term has a negative connotation, it refers to any break from social media. A social media detox is a planned break from your social networks.
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