Have you ever wondered what our world was like before the hype of social networks? In today’s world, technology advances day by day, and these advances have optimized and simplified our lives, but they have also created problems. Social networks have become such a significant part of our lives that it can seem daunting to step away from them, but it promises a fundamental transformation. Follow us in this article to see why we should avoid social networks and how we can do it.
Why should we stay away from social networks?
In the age of digital media, staying away from social networks has significant effects on our mental health. Social networks are designed to keep us busy and constantly crowd our brains with different notifications. We feel validated with every view, like, and comment, and this positive feeling releases a small amount of dopamine in our brains each time. Dopamine hormone is responsible for transferring pleasure in the human nervous system. This constant bombardment of dopamine conditions our brain and is like any other addictive behavior.
Taking a break from social media allows us to break free from this vicious cycle and allows our minds to refocus and stay fresh. By staying away from the digital space, we will have time to be in the real world. When we have fundamental social interactions, we rediscover the simple pleasures in life, and our brains are freed from the stress and pressure of comparison.
Researchers still don’t know exactly how much social networks affect us or how different their effects are on other people. Still, those who have stayed away from social networks for a while say that they were more focused, creative, and relaxed when they were away from the digital space.
When should we stay away from social networks?
Researchers say that when you notice negative mood swings in yourself, it’s time to take a break from social media. They name specific signs that you can use to check your level of engagement with digital media. If you see these symptoms daily, you should pay more attention to your lifestyle. We will review some of these signs below.
1. Feeling insecure
Social networks often provoke our feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. We compare our situation with the perfect picture of other people’s lives and achievements and think we are not as successful, attractive, and prosperous as them. This self-comparison with others destroys self-confidence, makes us feel jealous, and reduces our satisfaction and happiness.
2. Feeling hopeless
Frustration is one of the common emotions people experience in the digital age. Social networks raise our expectations of life and force us to present a perfect image of ourselves. We feel disappointed and defeated when we don’t get as many likes or attention to our photos as we would like. The mind can’t separate feelings from the digital space and reality, so frustration spills into our real lives.
3. feeling angry
Social networks are full of body news. Twitter storms, news of war, inflation, and many similar issues increase our feelings of anger and social anxiety. The massive influx of information, associated with negativity and excitement, puts additional pressure on our minds. We’ve all felt anger, fear, and worry online. Constant exposure to lousy news traps us in a cycle of distress that can affect every aspect of our lives.
4. insomnia
Social networks are attractive and addictive. This attraction leads to insomnia in many people. You should take this sign seriously if you go to social networks before sleeping and spend hours on their content. We all want to keep up with the latest happenings in the world, and the fear of missing new content keeps us busy for hours, but we must know that lack of sleep causes serious health problems. Lack of sleep affects our physical, mental, and emotional health. In addition, it also disrupts the cognitive function of the brain.
5. Annoyance of those around you
Sometimes, social networks make your relationship with those around you weak. If your family is upset about how much time you spend on social media, or your friends tell you that you don’t pay enough attention to them, you should take this sign seriously. Humans need genuine associations. For this reason, consultants suggest balancing the natural world and the digital space to have healthy and valuable relationships.
The benefits of staying away from social networks
Staying away from social networks has many benefits for our physical and mental health. When we manage our time and consciously limit our presence on social networks, we will be less exposed to traumatic content and anxiety caused by comparing ourselves with others. Researchers studied 68 college students and found that their mental health improves when they take a break from social media. We have mentioned the most important advantages of staying away from the digital space.
1. Mood improvement
Limited research has been done on the effect of social networks on people, but based on this little research, staying away from digital media improves people’s moods. Satisfaction and happiness are also directly related to distancing from social networks. We will have more self-confidence and peace when we don’t compare our lives with unrealistic images.
2. Anxiety control
When we remove negative stimuli from our lives, we become less anxious and more relaxed. Researchers have confirmed the reduction of anxiety after staying away from social networks and say that one of the ways to curb stress is to stay away from the digital space. The fear and anxiety caused by reading negative news are also reduced by staying away from the digital area.
3. Increased focus
When most people don’t know what to do, they turn to their cell phones and scroll through social media. This work gradually reduces the power of concentration. As a result, you are constantly distracted when you have an essential task. Staying away from social networks clears our cluttered minds.
4. Increase creativity
Researchers say that staying away from social networks increases your creativity. We fill our minds with short and useless content every day, and as a result, our brain function decreases. When we can try different hobbies, our minds work better, and we become more creative.
5. Effective social communication
According to research, staying away from social networks increases the amount of real social connections. Meaningful and authentic interactions also improve our mental health. Deeper emotional connections are made when we have honest conversations with those around us. These emotional bonds allow us to understand each other and empathize with friends and family.
6. quality sleep
Staying away from social networks at night has a significant effect on improving the quality of sleep. Moving away from the noise of different content can create a calm and conducive environment for rest. Staying away from social media late at night prevents overstimulation of the brain and allows our mind to rest. According to research, quality sleep improves people’s mental health, energy, and mood.
7. Improve physical health
Our eyes are glued to the screen all the time we spend on social media. In addition, when we hold our mobile phone or tablet, our shoulders, shoulders, and neck are at the wrong angle. We are not aware, and our body endures many hours of pressure. Researchers say avoiding social networks is good for health and reduces chronic pain, including headaches.
How do you stay away from social networks?
There are various ways to stay away from social networks. Whether trying to manage your time or trying a week-long social media detox, these tips can help. Adjust these methods according to your conditions to get the best result.
After these exercises, you will be ready for a week of detoxification. Researchers say that one week is enough for digital detox and cleaning the brain from the pressures of the modern world. You can go a week without any social media and clear your mind.
1. Do not take a large stone
Researchers say you are more likely to succeed if you gradually distance yourself from social networks. According to studies, the more hours of the day you spend on social networks, the harder it will be for you to get away from them. Try to gradually spend less time in the digital space with time management.
2. Turn off your notifications
This is the first step to stay away from social networks. Notifications easily distract you and force you to look at your mobile phone. Entering any social network will involve you for a while and waste your time.
3. Stay on a social network
Choose a social network for yourself and delete other apps. Flipping between different platforms increases dopamine release and is addictive. At this stage, consider only one social network and do not work on other social networks.
4. make a plan
Set a specific time for yourself. For example, consider a particular time twice a day and only look at your mobile phone simultaneously; That is, do not go to social networks due to fatigue and boredom and see your favorite content only at the specified time.
5. be aware
Self-awareness is the basis of any change. With targeted planning, you can manage your day and spend more time away from the digital space, so act consciously. At the end of each day, take time to review your behavior. Think about when you’re most excited to scroll through social networks and when you forget about your cell phone altogether.
Back to social networks
To return to social networks, act consciously according to your conditions. Before you get involved in these media again, think about your experience. In what parts of your life would you feel better without social networks? Which social network makes you feel more angry and anxious? Maybe at this stage, you will stop following some of your colleagues and acquaintances on social networks or close one of your social pages forever. Your experience is the most valuable asset; based on that, you can consider the best program for you.
Researchers suggest that after the detoxification period, they allocate specific times of the day to social networks and only spend time on them in the same short period. For example, go online only during your morning coffee or lunch break. In this way, you will be more focused in other hours of the day, and your mind will be balanced.
last word
Taking a break from social media can relax the mind in our busy modern world. There is no specific timeline for this. You can get away from virtual networks for a day, a week, or a month, according to your circumstances. Staying away from social networks reduces anxiety, frustration, and anger. In addition, it improves the quality of sleep and your physical health and creativity.
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Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
