The Power of Unplugging from Social Media

Have you ever considered unplugging from social media? With how much social media has blown up, we have never been more connected. While being so connected to the online world, is it possible we forget to connect with our real world? It is so easy to be sucked in and begin to scroll endlessly. Believe it or not, the darker side of social media can actually make us more anxious, depressed and cause low self-esteem; that's where unplugging from social media comes in.

Unplugging from social media means setting time aside to spend time away from technology. You can either enjoy some peace alone or dedicate more focused time to those around you.

Have you ever been out to dinner and everyone just spent the whole night on their phone? Agreeing to put the phones down allows us to be present with each other.

How Unplugging from Social Media Benefits You

It Improves Self Esteem

If unplugging from social media isn't part of your routine, it's easy to get into comparison mode. We see everyone's highlight reel. We can begin to feel like everyone else is having more fun and success than us without even knowing their full story. Unplugging and focusing on one's self more is key.

It Reduces Loneliness

It can be easy to feel like we're always surrounded by our friends and families when we are online. Once you log off of social media, we instantly feel lonely though. What we as humans crave is in person, human interaction. It's important to unplug and spend time in person when we have the chance.

It Quiets Your Mind

When was the last time you just sat in silence? It's natural for us to take our phones everywhere. We pay more attention to what's going on in our online friends' lives rather than everything happening around us. This constant consumption of social media can be overwhelming and in return, create more anxiety. Create some time to unplug from social media in silence, and see how it affects your anxiety levels.

You May Sleep Better

Data from a 2013 survey at the Pew Research Center shows that 44 percent of people sleep with their phones by their sides. Not only will your phone be pinging all night with emails, Facebook and Twitter notifications, but you're more likely to reach over to grab your phone throughout the night to check it as well. Additionally, the blue light on your phone makes it hard for your brain to transition into "sleep mode." Giving yourself an hour or two with no phone or laptop can make the transition to sleep easier.

The Right Time to Unplug from Social Media

Some times unplugging from social media are more beneficial than others. Watch the video below to learn more.