A Small Break From Social Media

I’m currently taking a break from social media and have removed Instagram and Facebook from my phone. This pause has given me a refreshing and insightful mix of experiences. One of the biggest changes has been finally returning to my half-read books, and I even managed to finish two of them within a month, all while balancing my daily office work.

One day, I visited a friend and noticed something striking—four people were sitting together, but everyone was on their phones. No one was really talking to each other. They were smiling, taking pictures of the food, the place, and each other, but their attention was on their social media feeds. They were more engaged with their online friends and followers than with the people sitting right in front of them. It made me realize how disconnected we sometimes become, even when we’re together. I’m not saying social media is bad, but stepping away from it for a while has taught me a lot and opened my eyes to new things.

Without the constant distraction of notifications, I’ve found myself connecting more with my family, friends, and loved ones. I’ve had more meaningful conversations with my wife and started spending more time with my son. Mentally, I feel clearer, less anxious, and far less overwhelmed. Social media often pulls me into a comparison trap or floods me with information I don’t really need. Taking a break from it has given me peace of mind and reduced my stress.

Without the urge to scroll, I’ve been able to get so much more done! I’ve rediscovered my passion for writing, taken on creative projects, and even become more focused at work. I’ve also noticed that I now have more time for activities like reading, learning new skills, and maybe, one day, exercising (although, let’s be honest, we all say, “Gym starts tomorrow!”).

My sleep has also improved. Without the late-night scrolling, I’ve been able to reduce my screen time before bed, which has had a noticeable impact on both the quality and duration of my sleep. I used to wake up in the middle of the night, but that’s stopped, which has been a pleasant surprise.

I’ve spent more time reflecting on myself—thinking about my goals, finances, priorities, and values—without the influence of constant external opinions. This has given me the space to focus on personal growth, just as I rediscovered my love for reading.

At first, I felt a bit disconnected, but over time, I realized I wasn’t really missing out on much. Instead of being glued to what others were doing, I’ve become more present in my own life.

Without constant notifications, I’ve noticed my attention span has improved. I’m able to focus better on tasks, whether work-related or personal, without the constant urge to check my phone every few minutes. Stepping away from the need to engage online has made me feel more in control of my time and decisions. I’ve become much more intentional about when and how I use technology.

To sum it up, I’m not suggesting that anyone should delete social media for good, but I do think it’s beneficial to take small breaks. These breaks can help us reconnect with ourselves, focus on what’s important, and live a healthier, more balanced life.