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Self Love

7 Ways Turning Off Social Media Made Me Feel Human Again

I invite you to have a 10-day social media break and be sure to include things that cloud your mind. It will change your life!

Scarlett Bradley

Nov 08, 2018

University of Virginia

213

7 Ways Turning Off Social Media Made Me Feel Human Again

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A few weeks ago, I was challenged to not go on social media for 10 days. I was also asked to remove anything else that might have a distracting influence in my life. So I turned off Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify, and my most beloved Youtube. Many of you may ask, "Are you out of your mind?" or "How did you live?". And yet, it was the best thing I did.

At first, I had what I like to call withdrawals. It was amazing to see how unaware I was of my unconscious need to constantly check social media and listen to music. Then, I realized how ridiculous it was to dwell on missing the top 40 hit songs of the week. But of course, soon, I got really bored. However, being the busy-body that I am that didn't last long. This is when my life changed and I saw the endless opportunities that had come into my reach.

1. More time

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For starters, I had so much free time on my hands. I could get done everything I needed to get done and I had time to spare. All of a sudden, I felt like time was no longer against me.

2. Reaching out to people

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Then, with social media no longer as a means of communication, I found that I need to reach out to people through some other way. So I went back to (dare I say 'old-fashion') texting and calling. If I wanted to see someone I needed to reach out to them personally, rather than through a big post on social media. Where my relationships stood with people became very clear and gave me the chance to strengthen those relationships that lacked some love.

3. Productive

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In addition to having more time on my hands, I could now use that time to do more. I found more time to apply to jobs and graduate school. I found more time to dedicate to my studies. I found more time to go and serve those around me. I now felt like a contributing member of society.

4. Self-Care

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By not having the chance to see what other people were doing in their lives, I was now able to see what areas of my life needed improvement. I did some spring cleaning. I picked up old hobbies. I even had a spa day.

5. Positivity

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In addition, to not see other people's lives, I no longer had the chance to compare myself to others. I felt more positivity enter my life. I was able to more easily identify the good things about myself and how to keep up with them.

6. Gratitude

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Without having ads constantly bombarding me, I no longer had time to desire things I did not have. Instead, my gratitude increased tremendously. I learned to appreciate what I did have and make use of the things I had neglected. I learned to love those around me and to be someone people could rely on when weary.

7. Peace of mind

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Finally, my overall peace of mind increased after being away from social media for 10 days. I found myself not anxious about what I was missing out on, but rather I was fully immersed in the present.

Taking a break from social media was life-changing. I did start using social media once I ended the 10-day challenge. However, the way I use social media now is very different. I make sure I go online with a clear purpose. I seek out to maintain personal relationships, not just online but in person. I make sure to plan time to do the things I enjoy, like community gatherings and service.

Now it is your turn! Doing this challenge was the best thing I did. I invite you to do the same and have a 10-day social media break. Also, include things that you feel may be clouding your mind. I promise you will find so many benefits from this experience. You will not regret doing it. It will change your life!

For the direct challenge, check out this talk by Russell M. Nelson.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

7 Ways Turning Off Social Media Made Me Feel Human Again

I invite you to have a 10-day social media break and be sure to include things that cloud your mind. It will change your life!

1. More time

2. Reaching out to people

3. Productive

4. Self-Care

5. Positivity

6. Gratitude

7. Peace of mind

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10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

Who knows where we would be without them.

1. Thank you for laughing at my jokes, even when they really aren’t funny.

2. Thank you for singing unbearably loud with me all the time.

3. Thank you for letting me vent to you for hours about anything and basically being my personal therapist.

4. Thank you for ordering pizza with me at 2 in the morning.

5. Thank you for all the movie days when we don’t feel like moving.

6. Thank you for being my workout buddy everyday.

7. Thank you for sharing your closets with me.

8. Thank you for taking naps with me at random hours during the day.

9. Thank you for cleaning our home with me when we absolutely need to.

10. Thank you for all the rides when it’s late and you don’t want me to walk home alone in the dark.

11. Thank you for studying with me in our kitchen when we didn't want to go the library.

12. Thank you for making dinner with me.

13. Thank you for helping with my hair, makeup and outfit every time we go out.

14. Thank you for taking countless ugly pictures with me.

15. Thank you for not judging me when I go too long without showering.

16. Thank you for making our apartment feel like a second home.

17. Thank you for being there through all of our boy troubles.

18. Thank you for giving me a hug when I feel homesick.

19. Thank you for getting excited with me when one of us gets a good grade on an exam.

20. Thank you for still being my friend and not judging me when I say or do dumb things.

21. Thank you for telling me what I should do when I am sick.

22. Thank you for dancing horribly with me everywhere we go.

23. Thank you for staying up super late with me when we aren’t tired or can’t sleep.

24. Thank you for being super weird with me.

25. Thank you for all the unforgettable college memories.

26. And most of all, thank you for being the best friends a girl could have.

I may or may not be stressing right now.

1. "What do I have to study for?"

2. "What class do I need to study for the most?"

3. "I’m going to ace this."

4. "Focus!"

5."I have no idea what I'm reading."

6. "I should call my smart friend about this."

7. "I’m going to fail. I’m going to fail."

8. "I’m dropping out of school."

9. "What grade do I have to get on the final to pass the class?"

10. "Oh, no, I have to do good."

11. "I shouldn’t have procrastinated all semester."

12. "I wanna go to bed."

13. "We did not learn this!"

14. "I should go get food."

15. "Why do we even have finals?"

16. "I don’t want to be at the library."

17. "Get off your phone."

18. "I can watch Netflix for like 20 minutes and then go back to studying."

19. "I shouldn’t have watched Netflix."

20. "You have to study now!"

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. — Snow White

The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. — Rafiki

You don't have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring. — Lumière

If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya. — Laverne

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one. — Grandmother Willow

Always let your conscience be your guide. — Jiminy Cricket

To infinity and beyond. — Buzz Lightyear

Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved. — Pooh

Let it go. — Elsa

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all. — Thumper

Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories. — Genie

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

Money

Socks

Blankets

Gift Cards

Hoodies and Sweatpants

Pajamas

Candles

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