When you hear the words ‘social media’ what is the first thing you think of? Is it TikTok, Snapchat, funny videos or trends? No matter what it is, there are many different aspects to social media.
As a platform, social media has its good and not-so-good traits. It is a new way of marketing and an incredible way to connect with people around the globe. You can support your friends and family, follow people’s lives, and spread love and awareness into the world.
However, there also are many negative traits, including trolling, comparison, and the constant need to please others instead of pleasing yourself. Social media is different for everyone, and I’m not here to tell you to stop using it, but to provide ways to detox now and again.
Social media is everywhere, and no matter where you go, you will see someone posting on Instagram, trying a new TikTok trend, or scrolling through X (formally known as Twitter). But when does it get enough? Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to laugh at funny videos, catch up on your friends’ day-to-day lives, and find the latest celebrity gossip. But do you ever feel it’s time to put your phone down and connect with the real world?
As social media constantly surrounds us, it is so easy to get sucked into the digital world. If you’re not scrolling on TikTok for multiple hours a day, you’re liking an Instagram post, locating the current Twitter debate, or uploading your latest Snapchat story. Even when it comes to shopping, you’re most likely to see the latest trends being styled in a clothing haul by your favourite influencer, rather than browsing on a website.
According to Smart Insights, the average daily time spent on social media by the public is 2 hours and 24 minutes a day. Now, this may not sound like a lot, but if you calculate this for a whole week, you’re looking at 16.8 hours. As we live our lives, it’s important to make every minute count. Instead of being consumed by social media, there are many ways you can invest in those hours a week.
1. Reading
Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, escape into the world of books instead of the world of socials. Finding a new love for reading or going back to an old habit is the perfect way to dedicate your time, whilst also enriching your mind. The wonders of reading are spending time with yourself and escaping into a world the author is creating. You never know what you may learn, and you also could find love in a genre you didn’t think would be for you.
2. Spending time with friends and family
‘Home is where the heart is’, and it is essential to keep close to what defines the place you call home. Whether this is your family, friends, or your community, be present with your loved ones. Spending time with friends or family is one of the best ways to dedicate your time each week. Creating fulfilling memories is a refreshing way to live life outside of a screen.
3. Reconnecting with nature
Disconnect with social media and reconnect with nature. The outdoors is all a part of life and our earth, and it’s time we return with this. Although it’s great to connect with individuals online, reconnecting with fresh air, or discovering new locations and sites can be even better. Going for a hike or long walk can be a perfect way to be present in your life. There is no better feeling than standing in the fresh air, stepping back, and acknowledging all of the real-life around us.
4. Exercising
Whether it’s going to the gym, for a run, or just a long walk, exercising is good for the body, mind and soul. As a whole, exercise is the perfect way to escape from society and interact with your mental and physical abilities. Known for releasing feel-good endorphins, any form of exercise will automatically boost your mood, clear your mind, and improve your overall mental and physical health. Whether it’s creating milestones like walking for 30 minutes a day or training for a marathon, make sure you’re doing exercise within your comfort zone and providing you with multiple benefits.
5. Finding new hobbies or reuniting with old ones
Hobbies are a way for us to discover our interests and connect with who we are and what we love doing. Whether it’s reading a book, playing a board game, or solving a crossword puzzle, reuniting with old hobbies or finding new ones is a great way to dedicate your time. Remember, hobbies also don’t have to be something you do on your own, they could also be a way to connect with others, spend time with friends and family, or develop connections with a specific community. This is the perfect time to discover yourself, use your time wisely, and connect with your mind instead of a phone.
Which detox are you going to choose and why? Let us know in the comments if you have any other detox ideas to share.
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Written by Shannon Oxley
