Social media is a huge part of our day to day lives especially if you are a content creator or digital marketer, so it’s not surprising you might need a social media detox and wondering how to detox from social media.
If you are anything like me – you can lose valuable time and energy scrolling Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for hours connecting with family and friends, discovering new destinations or the best travel bloggers to follow on social.
Spending too many hours scrolling Instagram and FaceBook for hours can leave you feeling lonely, anxious and suffering from imposter syndrome.
How do you know if you and your are in need of a social media detox? If the first thing you do in the morning before you even go piss is check your IG notifications you might need a social media detox. If you are vacationing with your family but you are more concerned with getting the right image to flex on social media you might need a social media detox.
If you are arguing with complete strangers on Facebook you might need a social media detox. If your kids are asking you to put your phone down or your marriage is suffering because you stay on your phone all night then you might need a 30 day social media detox.
Think about the things you could accomplish if you stayed off of your phone and off of social media. Taking a 30 day social media detox is probably one of the best things you can do for not only your mental health but that of your family’s mental health as well.
As a digital marketer, I understand how important it is to stay active on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter but being consumed with what to post, when to post and how many times per day you need to post can become extremely overwhelming.
With that being sad how do we stop ourselves from becoming a slave to social media? During these trying times we all should challenge ourselves to take a social media vacation or take a 30 day social media detox.
What is a Social Media Detox?
“A social media detox is when you make a conscious decision to stay off of social media for an extended period of time. Most social media detoxes last around 30 days, but even if you only do seven, ten or 14 days that is better than nothing.
Some of the questions you might be asking yourself about detoxing from social media are:
- How do I take a break from social media?”
- What happens when you give up social media?”
- Why going off social media is good?”
Taking a break from social media might seems sacrilegious because oversharing is apart of our culture. How will your family and friends know what you cooked for dinner, the delicious meal you devoured at a 5 star restaurant or how will people be jealous of your luxury vacation to Amalfi Coast, Rome or even Jamaica and who will see you in your two piece bathing suit.
Pressing pause on social media not only help you gain clarity and maybe even stop imposter syndrome from rearing its ugly head.
I believe a social media reset is helpful for your mental health and here’s why I decided to take a 30 day social media detox.
Earlier this year the hubby and I decided to take a quick baecation to spend some quality time together, but I found myself checking Facebook, Instagram, and catching up on emails when I should have been rocking my hubby’s world.
After some reflection, I decided I needed a social media cleanse and to live more in the moment.
Sometimes the hardest thing you can do on vacation is to chill out and do nothing. We have limited vacation time as is and when we go on vacation we feel the need to fit all of the must-see attractions into 5 days and let the world know what a great time we are having.
You end up needing a vacation from your vacation because you never really unplugged.
Are You Addicted To Social Media & Technology?
I realized I wasn’t really relaxing and that my entire vacation was spent posting pictures on social media, signing up for one attraction after another and checking off must see activities off of my “to do” all while checking Facebook every 15 min to see if anyone had liked my post or commented on a photo.
Was I addicted to social media and technology? yes, I was and if you find yourself checking social media every few minutes, you might need a social media detox as well.
How to Dextox from Social Media
Because we MUST have Instagram worthy photos and show the world we stayed in a luxurious overwater bungalows, swam with pigs in the Bahamas, or whatever moment you feel will make everyone else believe you are living the life – we are foregoing our peace of mind for a photo op and to post on social media?
Are we missing the point of vacation or have we simply forgotten what it means to spend quality time with your loved ones without being distracted?
Sure, it’s important to see the sites, do things we have never experienced, taste cuisines that are foreign to us and immerse ourselves in new cultures.
It is equally important to get some R&R with the little time we have off and even if you are not going on vacation take time to reflect and set goals for yourself?
Detoxing From Social Media
Does every trip have to be transformative? Vacations should be filled with experiences that broaden our perspectives and take us out of our comfort zone, but shouldn’t we also learn to clear our minds and detach from social media?
I am guilty of not being able to do absolutely nothing while on vacation….
If you are having any of the feelings below you should give some thought into taking a social media detox or a 30 day stint off of social media.
- Lack of enjoyment
- Privacy and safety concerns
- Lack of time
- Lack of interest
- Too addictive
- Just not getting shit done
I realized I was addicted to Social media and it was silently killing my marriage and I was becoming disconnected from my daughter. Maybe you don’t even realize how much you depend social media and technology.
If you recognize any of the signs below and you are spending more time on social media than living in the moment it’s time for a 30 day social-media detox.
- 1. Do you charge your phone before going to bed in case you get a late-night text?
- 2. Do you sleep with your phone?
- 3. Does your phone sit on the table while you eat your breakfast, lunch or dinner?
- 4. Do you check your email and social feeds throughout every meal?
- 5. Does the thought of shutting down your phone, tablet or computer for an extended amount of time make your heart race?
- 6. Never complete your “To Do” List
- 7. Do your hubby and kids complain they never have your full attention because you are on your phone?
- 8. Have you forgotten about your favorite hobbies because you spend all of your spare time online?
- 9. Do you rarely read an article from beginning to end?
- 10. Do you find yourself on social media for hours?
- 11. Do you go into panic mode when your phone dies?
- 12. Have you stopped working out because it will interfere with social media?
Why Should You Take a 30-Day Social Media Detox
When you decide to unplug from technology, I suggest you put away all of your devices and only check them at a designated time.
Unplugging from technology doesn’t just mean just turning off your iPhone but it also means shutting off your computer and any other electronic devices you might have.
Unplugging from technology means you are making a conscious decision to put your husband, children, and friends first.
Health Benefits of a Digital & Social Media Detox
My husband and I take two vacations per year where we unplug from the social media and only focus on our relationship. We needed this time away from our kids to reconnect and spend quality time together.
Here are the top ways taking a social media dextox can improve your life:
Improve Your Quality of Life
When you turn off your phone and focus on friends and family, your quality of life will improve. Putting your phone down gives you more time to connect with others and really engage with your friends and family.
Recharge
Unplugging from work will also make you a much happier person. It seems like work, especially when you hate your job, tends to drain you mentally and will put you in a funky mood.
When you carry the drama of work at home with you, you tend to stay in a bad mood and really never disconnect and unplug from work.
DO NOT bring anything work-related home with you! Once you leave work for the day consider yourself officially unplugged and be at peace with knowing whatever did not get finished will be ok until the next day.
Self Care
It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of social media. Scrolling through Instagram stalking your ex-boyfriend, wondering what your friends are up to, and how many people like your photo.
It’s easy to become stressed after seeing your virtual friends hanging out in luxury destinations and living a lifestyle that seems unattainable.
Unplugging from your phone, and especially social media helps us realize how much we are really missing out on our individual life rather than worrying about someone else might be doing 24/7.
When we unplug, we stop worrying about others and the self-care begins.
Sleep Better
Have you got in bed and went on your phone to check the weather for the next and ended up on scrolling through Instagram for over an hour?
Social media platforms are designed to distract us and reel us in. However, it is up to you unplug from your devices and not get sucked into the wormhole.
When we put our electronics down and turn the tv off we end up sleeping better and alone will improve your health and mood.
These benefits of unplugging are quite obvious but it’s easy to overlook the benefits because we are addicted to electronics.
Ways To Detach Yourself From Social Media
- Stop checking updates compulsively
- Plan how long your social media detox will last
- Permanently delete your social media accounts
Did Unplugging From Technology Help Me?
I made a conscious decision on our trip to Sandals South Coast to be completely present and engage with my husband.
We strolled along the beach holding hands laughing, ordering cocktails, eating and just relaxing. Everyday life can take a toll on any marriage which is why couples need that alone time away from social media and even their kids.
I will be honest about how difficult it was to sit my behind down! While laying out at the beach, I kept thinking about all of the activities I wanted to do, and what cool photos I could be taking, and even what my friends were doing back home.
I kept thinking I was missing out on something, and if I should schedule a water adventure for us to go on. All of the activities are free at Sandals South Coast but I felt like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth if I didn’t do at least one activity.
Learning To Do Nothing
Sitting on the beach with my hubby made me realize I needed to change my thought process of having an agenda when while we are on vacation.
If you have a hard time detoxing from social media as I was, try leaving your phone in your room; grab a book and relax in a hammock. Practice floating in the pool or go to the beach and just dig your feet in the sand and listen to the waves crash against the shore.
These experiences can be just as enlightening as an activity-filled itinerary, except you will not need a vacation from your vacation.
Is a Social Media Detox Right For You?
If you were researching digital detox, social media detox or 30 day social media detox then you already know it’s time for you to make some changes in your life.
If you have attempted get off social media in the past and it didnt last that’s ok too. You might not last the full 30 days but even a week off of social will help you gain clarity and prioritize your life.
When social media is applied in the right way, it can be very beneficial and advantagous.
Top Three Social Media Detox Destinations
Belize
It usually takes most travelers a while to get into true relaxation mode when vacation time arrives, but if you book your stay at any of these luxury resorts – there is no need not worry about if you will be able to relax and clear your mind.
Every day becomes an adventure, from deciding where you will lay out at the beautiful pool, or what type of relaxing massage you will get; to what you will eat for dinner? If luxury and relaxation are what you need, Belize is your one-stop shop.
Whatever you decide to do with your day, one thing is certain: The staff at Ka’ana will make sure your every need is met, and it is impossible to go wrong with staying at Ka’ana.
Jamaica
The beachfront Sandals Montego Bay may be among the most luxurious resorts in Jamaica. Perched above clear turquoise waters, Sandals South Coast offers 12 Tahiti‐style bungalows featuring breathtaking ocean views and exclusive amenities.
If you are struggling to detox from social media, the tranquility soaking tub, outdoor shower, extended sun deck, and overwater hammock for two will surely make you forget about the outside world. Who wouldn’t want to digital detox at Sandals South Coast?
You don’t even need to step outside to appreciate the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters because these overwater bungalows offer see-through glass floors.
You can experience the ocean from the comfort of your luxurious villa. Lit water ensures you can enjoy the sea anytime, day or night; which is just what the doctor ordered for a week of Digital Detox.
Costa Rica
This oceanfront property in Costa Rica is nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula and by far one of my favorite boutique hotels. It is so special that my hubby and I have stayed at this property 4 times and are returning for NYE 2020!
Florblanca is an award-winning boutique hotel for travelers that want both luxury and adventure. Florblanca sits on an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa.
Florblanca offers a vacation experience like no other; so you will definitely be able to take a Digital Detox from the world around you.
Florblanca allows you to connect more deeply, not only with the world around you; but also with your spouse. Florblanca is also known for their professionally guided sessions of Yoga and Pilates, so relaxation is at your fingertips.
After your morning yoga session, take a quick walk to the pool where there are howler monkeys overhead, nosy iguanas, and colorful birds surrounding you. It will truly feel as though you have stepped into another world.
Additional Digital Detox Tips
- Anything that sends an alert or notification when someone contacts you or likes a post should be disabled.
- Set a specific time of day to check each.
- Set a time limit for how long you’ll spend on the site, such as 30 minutes.
- Detox with a friend or spouse
- Understand which apps you use the most
- Get a real alarm clock instead of using your phone
- Start meditating ( Brian Scott is my favorite)
Do you need a Digital Detox?
For those of you who’d like to do a full 30 day social media detox, you can also enable your “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone. This will silence all notifications; social media, news, texts, emails, etc.
It will still be up to you to decide when you want to review them, but you will not have any of the “beeps” or “vibrating” that comes with having a smartphone.
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Have you taken a Digital Detox from social media while you are on vacation? If you feel like social media has taken over your life, if it preoccupies your mind, or if you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone, it might be time for a break.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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My husband and I did a recent trip to Las Vegas for a wedding. I can honestly say that I spent more time on my PHONE than I did enjoying Vegas! (Who does that?!) We were only there for 3 days, but I do regret being on my phone the entire time. Thanks for this post, because your photos are beautiful and you made some valid points. I definitely won’t make the same mistake on our next vacation.
We really dont realize how addictive technology and social media is. It’s really crazy we cant even enjoy our vacation for trying to get the perfect shot to post on IG
Those pictures are beautiful!! I would love a vacation and I definitely need a digital detox, what a perfect place to do it!
All of these images make me long for a vacation. I think I have a manageable addiction. There are times when I might only go on social media once a day and I’m not on vacation. Babe is anti social media, so when we are out and about I will take pictures like I always do but I take them on my camera and check my phone at the end of the day. In a way that does not take away from us.
I want to be where you were! I definitely need to take a digital detox and be on a beach. It is hard finding balance while blogging because the trip can be a potential post.
I was struggling so bad.. I had my hubby taking thousands of photos when I he that look on his face like enough is enough
I pretty much unplug when I am on vacation. I usually just take pics and save for sharing later if at all. We all need to step away from our daily habits every now and then.
It’s super hard to do a digital detox for me because I have social media clients and then my own social to manage. I let my clients know I’ll be on vacation and what they can expect from me while I’m gone (limited or no posts) and that helps take the pressure off.
I’m in desperate need of a digital detox. I do mini social media breaks with the family at times. We put our phones away, turn off the TVs and play games or dance to music. Even though the kids run to their phones after, I can tell that they really enjoy the time we spend together unplugged.
I wish I could unplug from social media without having a vacation. Social media can have a positive and negative impact on us. I like to take pictures and post while on vacation.