February 1, 2019

I Gave up Social Media for 2 weeks, Here's what happened


Hello my friends, I have missed you! Wow, two whole weeks off of all social media has really done me some good. Prior to the past two weeks, I was feeling like social media had taken over my life! Ok, I'm being dramatic, but it was getting a bit out of control. Here's the thing, I use social media both for work and fun. I LOVE chatting daily with family, friends and you guys, but I was going online way too often. Plus, it started to feel more like something I had to do and less like something I was wanting to do or even enjoyed doing. So I decided to give it up for two weeks to see what would happen. My hope was to come back refreshed and inspired and I have to tell you, it ended up being so much more then that!







I became aware of how often I grabbed my phone in attempts to check social media. Spoiler alert, it was hourly the first half of the first few days!
I stopped taking photos of my food.
I started taking photos of things that inspire me or moments I couldn't stand to forget.
I started writing every morning. I am now keeping a 5 year journal and I have a gratitude journal as well.
I stressed less
I was more aware of my surroundings. And more aware of the lack of awareness so many had around me. I felt like I was living in the movie WALLE more then a few times for sure.
I felt more relaxed
I was less reactive
I became inspired. A few days after I deleted all social apps off of my phone, I sat down to plan out upcoming blog post ideas. Six months of content ideas came to me. For context, I usually plan about 2-4 weeks at a time. To have come up with and be excited about 28 weeks of content is impressive for me. 
I played a good amount of Mario Party on Nintendo Switch with my hubby and kids
I listened to more music
I played Farmville 
I also played solitaire and Word with Friends 
I kept my phone out of my hands in the car, even at stop lights. I should be doing this anyway...at least I am now, right? (lowers head and shakes it) 
I felt happy. Like everyday of my break. 
I watched every sunrise and sunset (except the gloomy days) the past two weeks and gosh were they all beautiful!
I read a book! This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps. It was really good and I read it in 26 hours or something crazy. I love her! Shout out to Kaitlyn for this awesome Christmas gift.  
I felt more present in the moment



I think taking this social media break in January when I was feeling all fresh and new was an excellent idea! It didn't hurt that during these two weeks, I was also doing the Konmarie Method on my home. You guys, I have gone "beast mode" on my home and Marie Kondo herself would be so proud of me and all my little boxes, but I digress... 

 I can say without a shadow of a doubt I will be taking a two-week break once or twice each year. I need it! I needed it so bad you guys, I feel all sorts of refreshed and inspired now! That said, back to the belly of the beast I go. lol As fun as it is to not be online, this blog and my social media are my job. I depend on the money it brings in to help pay our bills, so it's not like I can go radio silent forever or anything. But there is definitely room for more structure with the times I am online, ways to work smarter, not harder, and new social habits to be formed. One thing is for sure, I will be utilizing App Limits and Downtime from this point on. Do you guys use those? I literally thought those apps where there to lock your children's phones but I am finding them quite useful! ;) 

xoxo

1 comment:

Mrs. L said...

It is indeed nice to get off the internet, a break. Very good also for mind and soul.

Marie
The Flower Duet