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This heightened stress can bring along a whole slew of unfavorable effects on the brain, such as reduced memory and an increased chance of depression. Staying away from social media makes you less prone to such a high level of cortisol, leaving you calmer and more focused.
What happens when quit social media?
You will feel less stressed “Quitting social media can let you enjoy the things you have and feel grateful for these instead of focusing on what you don’t have,” Martinez says, which social media (unintentionally) allows us to do. Cortisol production also tends to decrease, leaving you calmer and more focused.
Studies show that overuse of social networking sites can lead to negative feelings due to the constant overload of news and comparison against friends. Even temporarily quitting social media can lead to feeling happier, making more positive choices, and free up more time for productive activities.
Why taking a social media break is good?
According to one study, keeping social media use down to just 30 minutes a day can lead to increased mental health and well-being. Participants in the study reported decreased depression and loneliness when they reduced their time spent on social media, which seems ironic.
But those who are leaving the platform represent a small, but by no means insignificant, counter current. And many people, perhaps looking to eke back some time from busy lives, are choosing to quit social media as a new year’s resolution.
What are the effects of quitting social media?
You might feel anxious at first. While the effects of quitting social media are generally positive in the long run, your immediate reaction may be one of stress and anxiety. These feelings are caused by a neurobiological withdrawal from the sense of being constantly connected.
My life has changed for the better since deleting social media. I now enjoy catching up with my friends, and when they tell me new plans my response isn’t just, “Yeah, I saw on Facebook.” It makes you realise who your real friends are and how social media takes the joy out of sharing news with people. I also feel less anxious and less of a failure.
Is it time to take a break from social media?
If you’re spending a lot of time on social media, or on your phone in general, it can be hard to imagine life without it. However, there are plenty of reasons to consider taking a break from endless scrolling. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some things to expect when you take a break from social media.