Social Media Breaks

WELL-BEING

Smiling women on phone with social media icons showing activity.

Taking regular breaks from social media is a healthy way to refocus and prevent it from taking over too much of your time. When you return, you will hopefully have a clearer idea of social media’s role in your life and the boundaries you need to use it well.

Try these tips to have a successful social media break:

*  Set a clear time frame for your break. It could be a week to a monthlong goal.

*  Alert your followers to your upcoming break.

*  Temporarily disable your accounts, or delete the apps from your phone.

*  Plan an alternate activity for when you’re tempted to check social media like stretching, having a glass of water, phoning a friend, or deep breathing.

*  Choose an accountability partner to keep you on track.

*  Make a plan for how you want to use social media after your break.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine