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DECEMBER 2024
How and why to take a social media break
The average person spends 2 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.1 What could you do if you got that time back?
While quitting social media for good may not be an option, taking a break can make a difference in your health and happiness. This is especially true for teens and tweens, whose social media habit can lead to things like sleep deprivation and a negative self-image.
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What a social media break can do for you
Research suggests that although social media can be useful, it can also increase stress, anxiety, depression and even make you feel lonelier.2 By taking time off, you can gain:
- More opportunities to connect with friends and family
- Better mood
- Higher self-esteem
- A deeper sense of gratitude
- More relaxation and contentment
Try grabbing a coffee with a friend, digging into a good book or taking a walk in nature. Then notice the difference it makes.
How to get started
There are no set rules on taking a social media break. You may simply limit your time to 15 minutes a day. Or opt to tune out completely for two weeks or more. Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to do, you may want to announce your plan online if you think people might worry about your absence or just to make it feel more real.
Here are a few quotes people have used with their social media break announcements that might inspire you.
If you find taking a break more difficult than you originally thought, reach out to Resources for Living for counseling and digital resources to help you manage your social media time. Be patient with yourself and allow some backsliding now and then. Your efforts will pay off in the long run.
1Soax. What is the average time spent on social media each day?
2Harvard Summer School. Need a break from social media? Here’s why you should — and how to do it.
Sources:
The Tiny Life. How to take a 14-day social media break — A practical guide to reclaiming your time with social media detoxing.
Cleveland Clinic. When (and how) to take a social media break
Resources for you
- Resources for Living (RFL) offers free and confidential well-being coaching to help you work toward taking a social media break or any goal, starting January 1. You can also access six free counseling sessions, per issue, per year right now from a wide network of providers. RFL is available to you, your household and dependent children up to age 26 living away from home. For more information, visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711).
- Resources for Living (RFL) offers free and confidential well-being coaching to help you work toward taking a social media break or any goal, starting January 1. You can also access six free counseling sessions, per issue, per year right now from a wide network of providers. RFL is available to you, your household and dependent children up to age 26 living away from home. For more information, visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711).
- Resources for Living (RFL) offers free and confidential well-being coaching to help you work toward taking a social media break or any goal, starting January 1. You can also access six free counseling sessions, per issue, per year right now from a wide network of providers. RFL is available to you, your household and dependent children up to age 26 living away from home. For more information, visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711).