Top 10 Benefits of Taking a Break From Your Phone and Social Media
If you tuned into our virtual workshop in October, you’ll have learned about the positives and negatives of social media and its impact on teen girls. If you missed it, click here for the replay. It was an excellent introduction to this article and the importance of taking some time away from our phones and social media every week. Here are 10 reasons why taking a break will make you a happier person:
Spend more time on doing things that actually make you happy!
Don’t waste your life away by spending countless hours scrolling through social media. Go out into the world and actually LIVE it! Think about something you’ve always wanted to do, grab a friend, and go do it!
You will sleep better.
Did you know that teenagers need way more sleep than any other age group? Yup! Lack of sleep affects your mood, energy level, appetite, and your ability to think and act clearly. Turn off your phone at night and/or put it in another room so you can get a good night’s rest.
Help to improve your focus on schoolwork.
Constant notifications and distracting photos and videos will take your focus away from what’s really important. Put your phone in another room while doing work so you won’t be tempted to reach for it.
Become more creative!
Start thinking about things without your phone in hand and you’ll see the ideas come rolling in. Get a pad and pencil and write down ideas, for example, to decorate your room or be a part of a club or network, like WONDER GIRLS that help get you away from your phones and surrounds you with like-minded girls and women who want to inspire you!
More energy.
Phones literally zap your energy big time. We’ve become content with lying in bed or sitting on the couch just scrolling through non-sense. Don’t become lazy. Get up and go out! Make sure you get adequate exercise every day and drink lots of water!
Connect with your family and friends through conversation.
Yes! Speak. to. each. other. Put the phone downs and actually have a conversation with your friends and family at the dinner table without having the phone in front of your face. You will be surprised by what you can actually learn when you’re actively listening and participating in the conversation.
You’ll stop comparing yourself to others way more.
This is a big one. Especially for girls. It’s so easy to look at other people on Instagram and think, “I don’t have those nice clothes. My hair is not as shiny. I’m not as fit or skinny as she is. Why does she look like she’s having this fabulous life and I’m not?” Social media is only a snapshot of what people want you to see. Remember, there’s real life and then there’s Instagram life!
Quality time with loved ones.
When we focus on the people who are right in front of us, we learn so much more about their lives. If your grandparents are still alive (you are truly so lucky), spend time with them. Ask them questions about how it was growing up during their time or do something fun with them. Take your grandma to get her nails done or go shopping….You will make their day so special!
Soak up mother nature.
The world can be a beautiful place when you actually put your phone down and look at what’s in front of you instead of a picture of the ocean on Instagram. The suburbs are filled with great hiking trails and so much to see. Take advantage of what’s right in your backyard.
More time for self-care.
Be sure to take time for yourself every day. Yes…YOU! Tune in to what you’re feeling in your mind, your body, and your heart. Do something every day that makes you feel GOOD inside and out!