In today’s day and age, most people are very connected to their phones and social media. If this describes you, you may wonder where the line is between regular consumption and an actual social media addiction. A digital detox can help you rediscover life’s joys away from your phone and rebuild your relationship with yourself.
Overconsumption of Social Media
Over the last decade, social networking sites (SNSs) have become an integral part of many people’s daily lives. People use sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to connect with loved ones, seek inspiration, and even feel a sense of belonging.
Many people who experience feelings of loneliness may turn to social media as a way to ease that pain. Others use these outlets for more nefarious reasons, like bullying other people.
Unfortunately, it has become all too easy to become consumed with the digital world. Endless scrolling, negative news, and the inability to connect with the “real world” are just some consequences of social media overconsumption.
The Dangers of Social Media Addiction
Even though social media use is now intertwined with daily life, it can still be dangerous. In fact, social media addiction is a real condition just like substance use disorder (SUD).
According to an article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the “perceived need to be online may result in compulsive use of SNSs.” In extreme cases, this type of usage may result in symptoms that are traditionally associated with substance-related addictions.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology even mentions that social media platforms “leverage the reward system in ways similar to what gambling does to promote usage as much as possible through activation of the dopaminergic pathways” in the brain.
Fear of Missing Out
Another reason for social media addiction may be fear of missing out (otherwise known as FOMO). According to the aforementioned article In the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, higher levels of FOMO “have been associated with greater engagement with Facebook, lower general mood, lower wellbeing, and lower life satisfaction.” The journal makes sure to mention that social media addiction does not just include Facebook use. Even dating sites can be forums where addiction happens.
A Digital Detox: Breaking Free From Social Media Addiction
If you feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of social media consumption, it may be time for a digital detox.
Freeing yourself from social media can bring a number of benefits to your life. You can get better sleep, feel less stressed, and even have a better image of yourself. A digital detox will help you rediscover the real joys in life and cultivate a stronger relationship with yourself.
How to Start a Digital Detox
If you’re looking to complete a digital detox, the best place to start is to decide the length of time you’ll choose to unplug. If it’s impossible to unplug completely because of work, school, or other obligations, you can choose to detox during certain hours of the day.
During a digital detox, you’re going to find you have a lot more free time. Instead of doing nothing in those moments, you may want to have a list of activities and practices you can enjoy.
Activities for a Digital Detox
When you’re detoxing from social media and your phone, it’s a great idea to get outside and enjoy the earth around you. Many different activities promote self-care and personal growth. Digital detoxes can help you learn how to stay present in the current moment.
Here are some ideas:
- Mindfulness: Whatever you’re doing, you can place your full focus on the task or activity at hand. Ground yourself into the current moment using the five senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.
- Meditation: During your detox, meditation can help you stay present without worrying about social media or FOMO. You may want to start small by committing yourself to five minutes each day. Then you can increase your time from there.
- Exercise: Physical activity has incredible benefits for your health. For best results, make sure you do an exercise routine that you actually enjoy!
- Go outside: Enjoying the fresh air also has a multitude of benefits for your physical and mental health. You can take walks, go hiking, have a picnic, or even practice breathing exercises outdoors.
- Artwork and music: You can get a sketchbook or even a coloring book to help you explore your creative side. Listening to or making your own music is another activity that is incredibly healing for the mind, body, and spirit.
- Other hobbies: Are there any hobbies you have been wanting to try? A great time to try them is during your digital detox! Creating do-it-yourself crafts, baking, jewelry-making, and gardening are just a few of the many hobbies you can explore.
A Digital Detox: Healing at The Guest House
Detoxing from social media may be difficult to do on your own. At The Guest House, we provide the tools, activities, and support that will help you fully unplug, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover joy in the world around you.
If you are addicted to social media, it’s important to understand where that addiction comes from. As a trauma-specified care center, we will help you dig deep to find the root of your addiction so you can truly heal. Our cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic therapies will help you not only heal your mind but your body and spirit as well. The Guest House offers therapeutic modalities like meditation, yoga, conscious connected breathwork, and more that will help you forget about social media and enjoy the present moment instead.
Our beautiful 52-acre estate is the perfect backdrop for breaking free from the digital world. Here you won’t have to worry about FOMO. Instead, you can rediscover the joys of the real world.
In today’s day and age, social media addiction is a very real experience. A digital detox may be necessary if you’re feeling like your emotions are too intertwined with your social media use. At The Guest House, our 52-acre estate provides the perfect backdrop for your digital detox. It may be hard to unplug from social media on your own. Here, you will find the support, therapies, and tools that help you through this detox so you can learn to enjoy life again without being connected to your phone. As a trauma-specified care center, we will help you get to the root of your addiction. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.