Around the time of a new year, many of us think through how to best consider changes in our behaviors and actions. On many lists of “changes to make” is considering a break or a slowing down of usage of social media. Not sure if that would be for you? A piece from Harvard helps people evaluate when a break from social media might be worth considering:
“Recognizing When You Need a Break
Considering all of the above, you may be ready for a break. Ask yourself the following questions if you think it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with social media:
- Do you come away from your interactions on social media feeling inspired, informed, and positive? Or are you drained, saddened, frustrated, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, angry, or negative?
- Do you find yourself on a social media app, yet don’t remember picking up your phone and tapping on the app?
- Is the amount of time you’re spending on social media taking away from time you used to spend with friends or family, doing schoolwork, or doing other productive activities?
- Are you constantly comparing your life to the lives you see on social media, and think that you could never “catch up”?
- Have any friends or family members expressed concern that you’re on social media too much, or that you talk about what you see there too much?
- Do you have more activities and relationships in real life, or do you conduct most of your life on social media?
- Do you just have a feeling you need to take a break, but aren’t sure how?”
If any of those questions resonate with you, it might be worth reading into the article further here.
Remember: always progress over perfection!
Copyright © Melissa A. Frey, LCSW 2024. All rights reserved.