The existence of social media helps connect many people, especially those separated by distance. Social media is also a medium for growing and gathering new communities that have the same hobbies or likes.
However, social media does not always provide positive things, because it is necessary to realize that social media can be filled with negative comments, scathing criticism, lies, fraud, and abusive comments that affect mental health.
Benefits of Taking a Break from Social Media for a While
Taking a break from social media for a while seems to be a beneficial detox for mental health. Instead of deleting your account and quitting social media forever, you can consider the following benefits of taking a break from social media:
Improved Sleep Quality
Adults need at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep at night. However, sleep can be disrupted when you are stressed, experiencing anxiety (a feeling of nervousness or worry), have certain health conditions, or are not off social media.
Electronic devices emit bright blue light that the brain can misidentify as sunlight. This light can trick your brain into staying awake and delaying sleep. Stopping watching television or using your cell phone at least 30 minutes before bed can help restore quality sleep.
Reduced Stress
Social media can be a source of stress for many people due to distracting content, comparing our lives to others, and the anxiety of not being able to keep up with what's trending on social media. Research has shown that taking a break from social media for a while can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
By taking a break from social media, you have more time to do more productive activities such as exercising, reading books, and spending time with friends and family.
Lower Anxiety and Prevent Depression
Social media can be a source of anxiety and depression for many people due to unhealthy social comparison, cyberbullying, and exposure to negative news and violence. Taking a break from social media for a while can help reduce anxiety and prevent depression.
Quitting social media or limiting time spent on social media can help improve mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and prevent depression. But keep in mind that quitting social media is not the only way to reduce anxiety and prevent depression. There are many strategies that can be used, such as exercise, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps people change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and depression.
Enhanced Mental Well-Being
Social media can be a source of stress, anxiety, and depression for many people, especially if it is overused. Playing on social media can also sometimes lead to feelings of comparison or anxiety when you can't keep up with trends (FOMO – fear of missing out). Research shows FOMO can worsen mental well-being.
Taking a break from social media for a while can improve mental well-being rather than satisfying your curiosity by monitoring other people's activities on social media.
You don't have to delete your social media accounts right away because having social media can also be beneficial. To take a break from social media, you can limit social media playing to a maximum of 20 minutes a day, avoid debatable topics, and refrain from surfing social media when going to bed.
If you need medical advice or a consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito (2022). What to know about taking a break from social media. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/social-media-breaks
Suzanne Degges-White, Ph.D (2022). Quitting Social Media May Improve Your Mental Health. Available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/202208/quitting-social-media-may-improve-your-mental-health
Eric Suni (2023). How To Determine Poor Sleep Quality. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-to-determine-poor-quality-sleep
Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith, M.A. (2022). Social Media and Mental Health. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm
Nadra Nittle (2021). How Does Social Media Play a Role in Depression?. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/social-media-and-depression-5085354
Elizabeth Scott, PhD (2022). How to Deal With FOMO in Your Life. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664