Disconnecting to Connect: How Taking a Break from Social Media Allowed Me to Focus on My Personal Growth

It's hard to remember a time when social media wasn't a part of our daily lives. With a tap of a button, we can check our notifications, scroll through our feeds, and engage with friends and followers. But as convenient as it is to stay connected, it's important to recognize the potential negative consequences of constant connectivity. Comparison, information overload, and a loss of focus on what's truly important are all potential pitfalls of social media.

I realized that I needed a break from social media when I found myself constantly checking my phone and feeling anxious when I didn't have it with me. I had been active on various platforms since 2006, starting with MySpace and moving on to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. While I enjoyed creating and consuming content on these platforms, I found myself spending too much time on them and sometimes portraying a version of myself that wasn't completely authentic. I was missing out on enjoying the present moment by living in someone else's past moments, thoughts, and problems.

I took the first attempt at a social media/digital detox during a trip I went on to take a break from technology, social media and the constant need to be available, for three days. This three-day holiday I took in December 2022, in the middle of a forest in Ginigathhena, Sri Lanka, gave me the opportunity to be with nature with a minimum amount of everyday comfort. Taking a break from social media was tough at first. I missed seeing what my friends were up to and felt like I was missing out on important information. But as the days went on, I started to notice some major changes in my life. I was able to reclaim my time and focus on my own interests and goals. I was amazed at how much more I was able to accomplish without the constant distractions of social media.

But perhaps the biggest benefit of taking a break from social media was the sense of connection that I gained. Without the distractions of my online life, I was able to fully engage with the present moment and connect with those around me in a deeper way. I was able to have meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships with the people who matter most to me, even though it has only been just a week.

Taking a break from social media also allowed me to focus on my personal growth. Without the pressure to maintain an online persona, I was able to turn inward and set clear intentions for my own growth and development. I was able to tap into my creativity and take meaningful action toward achieving my goals.

It's important to recognize that social media isn't all bad. It can be a great tool for staying connected, finding support, and learning about new things. The key is to be responsible about our social media use and not give in to the urge to constantly check updates.

I've decided to stay active on LinkedIn because it helps me grow my network, acquire knowledge, and share my own knowledge and experience with others. But I'm mindful about how I use it and make sure not to get caught up in the endless scroll.

In conclusion, taking a break from social media was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience for me. It allowed me to reclaim my time, connect with loved ones on a deeper level, and focus on my personal growth. While social media can be a useful tool, it's important to be mindful of how we use it and not get caught up in the endless scroll. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to consider taking a break from social media and focus on their own personal growth.

Who knows what amazing things you might accomplish when you disconnect to connect with yourself and the world around you!