As we learn more about social media, it’s becoming clear that it can have a detrimental effect on our mental health.
From unfair comparisons to too much screen time, I think we can all admit to feeling drained, anxious or even depressed after spending a lot of time online.
In my new blog post series, I want to discuss the topic of social media and mental health.
I want to look at the ups and downs of the online world, considering why social media can make us feel so bad- and a few tips to look after our mental health in online spaces.
I’m starting off with the benefits of taking a social media break!
In 2022, I realised that Instagram wasn’t helping my mental health- and in fact, it was probably harming it.
I took an active break from the platform- and I haven’t been back since. I miss chatting with my sibling on there, but that’s about it.
So it got me thinking about the benefits of social media breaks, and how they can help your mental health.
A social media break doesn’t have to be for long- but your mental health is always going to be much more important than social media. There’s no contest.
In this blog post, I’ve put together a few benefits of taking a social media break- and I’ve also included 3 top tips to make it a bit easier for you!
The benefits of taking a social media break
It can stop unhealthy comparisons
It is so easy to compare yourself to other people online. From careers to relationships, people will always post about how great everything is for them- and it can cause nasty comparisons.
Even if you’re not actively comparing yourself to people, it can happen on a subconscious level.
There’s no point comparing yourself to the best version of someone else- especially because we all have bad days, but these often don’t make it to social media.
Take a social media break, and see if you feel more content in your life and your choices.
It can help your productivity levels
One of the big benefits of taking a social media break is the wonders it can do for your productivity.
Take out all that mindless scrolling, and you can get so much more done with your day.
And I don’t just mean work. You can spend time with loved ones, get a bit more sleep or read a book. You could even watch a film on Netflix, without getting distracted by your phone.
Although I don’t think productivity is everything, I never feel better after time spent mindlessly scrolling on my phone- and I always wished I’d just picked up a book instead!
It can help your physical health, too
Taking a social media break can actually help your physical health.
Avoiding social media at night can improve your sleep, and it’s also better for your eyes to avoid too much screen time.
I recently went to the optician, and I mentioned the fact that I often have headaches in the evening. It was only when he asked how much time I spend on screens that I really thought about it.
My job is online, I spend lots of time on my phone and I watch TV in the evenings. I think a lot of people are in the same position!
Taking a break from scrolling on social media could help you stop headaches, look after your eyes and prioritise rest.
Taking a social media break- My Top Tips
Tell friends and family
Before you start a social media break, you could tell your friends and family first. I know some people get anxious about not engaging with their loved ones.
This will make sure no one feels upset if you disappear online, and it tells your loved ones how they can contact you elsewhere.
This might also encourage you all to spend more face-to-face time. For example, instead of feeling “social” by commenting on someone’s Facebook post, you could instead call them and chat.
This is better for your mental health and your relationships.
Delete social media apps from your phone
Let’s be honest, it’s all too easy to scroll if a social media app is easily available on your phone.
Delete any apps off your phone if you want to take a social media break, and ensure that you can’t slip into any bad habits.
By deleting an app, you’re not completely getting rid of your account. You’re just showing yourself that you don’t need to constantly scroll and engage online.
Take it slowly
If you don’t want to take a complete social media break, that’s okay.
You could take it one step at a time. For example, you could stop using one platform or set a time limit each day. This will still benefit your mental health.
Social media can be super beneficial for some people. I love to use Twitter and LinkedIn for work, but I limit myself to just using the desktop version- meaning I don’t scroll on my phone.
This means I can still get the benefits of social media when I’m working, but I don’t feel like it’s taking up hours of my life.
Watch this space for the second post in this series: 10+ Tips to Look After Your Safety Online
Have you ever taken a social media break? How do you look after your mental health online? Do you like to take breaks from social media?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
Yes! Taking a break from social media is so important for your mental and physical health! I do it every day, when I am finished with my work day – my phone goes to another room so I am not tempted to reach for it and I give all of my attention to reading and chatting with my partner!
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Aw that’s a lovely idea! I try to do that sometimes, but not all the time- so I need to make it more of a habit. Thank you for sharing Monika x
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I enjoy social media and love the community side of things, but I am so big on taking a break from it! I think it’s so important. I often find that the quality of content improves when you take a social media break too.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
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Yes that’s very true, taking a break can clear your mind and help you feel inspired. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Claire x
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Taking a break from SM can be a huge act of self-care. Being online all the time and “getting stuck” in virtuality can have a tremendous negative impact on our overall wellbeing. The tips and strategies you offer here are very reasonably and I’m sure they will make everyone’s attempt easier. Thank you for sharing and raising awareness x
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Thank you Vanessa 🙂 I completely agree, social media can have a negative impact on our mental health- and it’s important to take time to recognise that every once in a while. I love that we’re starting to realise that. Thank you!
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A couple of years ago, I used to have a social media break every Saturday or Sunday of the week and it was SO nice. I don’t know why I stopped really – this post might have prompted me to start that again!
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Thank you Jenny, that’s such a lovely idea 🙂 I hope you enjoy your break x
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Great post. I took a break from my social media last year after taking a break from my blog due to my mental health. It was hard but great. I have now set time limits I am allow on social media. Thank you for sharing.
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Great idea! I stopped using Instagram because of my mental health too 🙂 thank you for sharing Charlotte x
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It’s always wise to use social media platforms in such a way that it doesn’t disturb our mental health. Taking a break from social media is an ultimate vacation. Good post 👍
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That’s very true Ranjana, we need to find ways to use social media for good- while also looking after ourselves 🙂 thank you for sharing
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I deactivated my fb account about a year ago and haven’t missed at all. I still use t~witter for my blog but don’t scroll as much as I hate the new look of it as I don’t see much of the people I used to follow. I’ve also got an Instagram account that I don’t use as much either and might get rid of that as well one day.
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I think that sounds great Nicki, if you don’t miss it why go back! I feel the same about Instagram 🙂 I like using Twitter and LinkedIn for my blog and work, but that’s all really
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This is definitely something I need to do! I can feel the social media addiction and it really impacts my life. thank you so much for sharing this!
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I agree, it can be hard! Thank you for sharing Jackie, I hope you give yourself a break x
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It’s always good to take a social media break once in a while, especially when things feel overwhelming x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I think so too 🙂
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I try really hard to unplug for at least half of every weekend. It’s helped!
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That’s great Laura! Thank you 🙂
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I only use social media to read the news as I follow a lot of news sites on Facebook and stuff related to my blog. I could probably find alternatives for reading the news, but I couldn’t for my blog. So I guess for now, I can only cut back rather than taking a break
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Taking regular breaks from social media is so important, isn’t it? I do regularly shut off for periods too.
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So important! That’s great to hear, it’s so valuable x
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Taking a break from social media is so important for your mental health. I try to detox and avoid it for a night each week, but it does take practice!
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Thank you! I think we all need to take some time away sometimes 🙂 thank you for sharing your experiences x
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I have been doing better at taking time away from social media but going to be more in control fingers crossed in April when I try to schedule certain times for social media. Thank you for sharing this post and your tips.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
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That’s great Lauren, I think it’s so important. I need to stop scrolling and put my phone in a different room while I work or spend time with loved ones. Thank you for sharing your experiences 🙂
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These are great tips, Eleanor, while I am able to stop the posting I seem to be on an infinite scroll of doom and that is what I really need a break from!
Simona – thespaghettisisterhood.com
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Thank you! I completely get it, it can be hard. Thank you for sharing your experiences x
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I think that breaks from social media are a great idea. I take time away from them from time-to-time as well as find new/healthier ways of using it if/when it becomes are more negative experience in my day. Theses are great tips — much needed these days!
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Thank you Molly! I love that you’ve found ways to look after yourself and log off from the online world. Thank you for sharing your experiences x
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Great post Eleanor! I can relate to experiencing headaches and migraines from spending too much time in front of a screen. With many of us working on a computer all day, then switching over to our phones for several more hours, it can definitely affect our mental and physical health. Thank you for sharing and encouraging us to take a break!
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Thank you! I completely agree, I think it’s important to find hobbies that aren’t online or that don’t use screens, such as reading or writing. Thank you for sharing your experiences x
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I’ve taken a break from social media because it was toxic and deleted the apps. Great tips!
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That’s great! Sometimes you have to get rid of it, and you just don’t miss it x
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Great post! I agree, it’s very helpful to take a break from social media now and then. I take a one week break from blogging typically twice a year, and I try to stay away from social media in that time too.
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That’s a great idea! It’s so great for your mental health 🙂
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