How much time you ask?
Well, I can say, a hell of a lot. Let’s say, if I used 15 minutes a day on social media (which is very likely to be MUCH more), this equalled to me spending 5475 minutes or 91.25 hours or 3.8 days on social media in 2019. Crazy!
But let’s get back to the point.
As much as I loved my blog writing, I started noticing the overwhelming effects: inability to concentrate, be in the moment, enjoy time with my loved ones without constantly checking my phone and scrolling through the feeds, planning what am I going to post next and checking upon others. When I look back at this now, it makes me cringe how empty it sounds.
Over time I started feeling exhausted and unhappy. I’ve been on and off social media, until one day, I realised, if this is causing me so much discomfort, I’ll quit it completely and see what happens.
So, what was the change in my life?
You know when you go to a cinema to watch a 3D movie, you don’t put the glasses on and you see that weird double vision effect that makes you dizzy? And then you put on 3D glasses and suddenly everything clicks into place - you’re surrounded by beautiful, crystal clear and popping effects?
3d effect.png
Well, that’s exactly how my life was before quitting social media. A constant race. Multi-tasking. Blurriness.
Giving up social media brought me clarity and focus. I started to experience again what it actually means to be truly present. No more fiddling with my phone.
No more interrupted conversations by the ping of the latest notification telling me who liked my latest photo. No more distracted attention when I talk to people whom I care about.
It wasn’t easy at first though, because social media draws you in, develops bad habits and it is created to keep you coming back for more. Truly scary.
Social media is powerful, without a doubt. But with great power comes great responsibility, and that is exactly the point I am trying to make. It’s a personal choice whether you use social media or not, but if you do, I strongly encourage to establish some ground rules so that it doesn’t take over your life.
What about me?
The bottom line is, giving up social media made me happier than I’ve ever been and that is a pretty awesome feeling.
Trust me, the world will keep turning if you step away from social media to take care of yourself. And everything will still be there just the way you left it when you get back.
There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. You need to find what’s right for you. Go and figure it out.
It’s worth it.
And after 7 days of "Spiritual Maintenance" break, I've only one thing to say...
Sometimes we need to DISCONNECT in order to RECONNECT with what matters.