If you follow me on social media, then you know I have made the decision to take July off from my social media accounts. My accounts are still there, I have just made the decision to delete the apps from my phone and not check in for a while. I had had this pull in my heart to do so for a while, but I was hesitant as social media is a great tool for business and other connections. The downside for me was that I found myself getting frustrated with the misinformation I would see people post and I was definitely wasting valuable time scrolling around. It was no longer just a way to post for business or fun. It had become a negative distraction in my life, and I knew I needed a break from it. What I didn’t realize is just how much time I was actually wasting and how much this really had been affecting me. On July 1st I deleted the apps and almost instantly felt a huge sense of relief. With each passing day, I feel that relief more and more. I wanted to share a bit about my experience and had originally thought I would wait till the end of the month and compile my thoughts. But why wait? I just had to share a bit now!
For starters, the amount of time I seem to have found is almost alarming! I really never thought of myself as a big social media person. I don’t post every day. I only have Facebook and Instagram. I don’t engage with everyone every day. So, I really thought my exposure was minimal. And maybe it is compared to others? All I know is that I suddenly have found that finding time for other things seems to be much easier! My days feel longer (in a good way). I have not missed a day of my devotional or Bible study since I started the social media break. I have been walking in the mornings AND the evenings which is something I absolutely LOVE to do in the summer and for a long time was only going once a day as I was certain that was all I had time for. I am finding time to write more which is another passion of mine that I have been putting off. It seems as though all of a sudden, my typical day just expanded by hours and I’m not mad about that!
Second, I feel incredible. Like, better than I have in a very long time and I usually feel pretty darn good! My mindset is clear and positive, I am sleeping all night long without waking up, I am more energized and have found a new sense of purpose doing some projects that I really enjoy doing. I know there are some other reasons I am feeling this great that I will blog about as well very soon, but I know that taking this media break is enhancing this feeling!
Third, my faith has been strong, but I feel it growing even stronger! I am sure it is because I have replaced my social media time with connecting to the Lord and doing the things He has intended for me to do. It really is amazing how your faith will grow when God is the front and center of your day without distractions!
If you are feeling this pull or wanting to reconnect with God or others in your life, I strongly suggest a social media sabbatical. It doesn’t have to be forever. I am sure I will log back in again as well in a few weeks. But I know that when I do it will be with BIG time restrictions! Whether you try it for a day, a week or longer, I am certain you will be glad you did! If you do, I’d love to hear how it went for you! I’ll be sharing my full story here! Going forward, it is likely that I will be sharing more here than on my other platforms.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body.” Proverbs 14:30
Sending you all peace and love~Denette