Our world intensely pushes us to be in the know at all times; to drop what were doing and tune in to the latest happenings. Social networks like Snapchat, Instagram , and Facebook are constantly updating their designs and services to gives us first hand experience with what’s going on around the world.

These new forms of connections have allowed us to move forward faster,whether its in reporting news , bringing attention to social injustice, or connecting with loved ones.

And although they’ve provided great benefits, the downside to these forms of social communications can potentially disconnect and distract us from our present realities.

We fall prey to FOMO (fear of missing out), discontentment, jealousy, and so on..

Some of us are filled with so much information we’ve lost sight of our priorities; allowing social media or any other technological algorithm to dictate our lives. To keep this post short and simple, here are 4 benefits to motivate you to unplug and begin practicing mindfulness daily:

1. Learn Something New– learn to cook a new dish, join a book club, learn a new language. I believe a crucial part of being human is continued development and human interaction- this coming from an introvert who seem to mastered techniques of avoiding social events.  Why? Our experiences shape us, whether we like it or not, and the only way to have more confidence in what we experience is to actively participate in the lessons the universe present to us.
2. Read More– One of my favorite quotes.  “ Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writing so that you shall gain easily what others labored hard for.” – Socrates Placing reading over watching tv or scrolling social media has a way of enlightening us like nothing else can. Delving into a good story allows you to soak up a different world, characters, or concept. Reading is not only productive but also has a longer stress relief shelf life then instantaneous pleasures that watching TV provides. 
3. Deeper Connections– Its becoming increasingly difficult to pass the superficial layer of people these days. With how much we consume online sometimes we provide the same short 140 character introductions in real life. When we hear the struggles of others its so easy to disassociate and return to our perfectly curated bubble. Be more observant of those around you. You might connect in more ways then you think. Lean in conversations and listen you never know what new opportunities may open up. 
4. Self Care– We tend to leave our own self in the process as we’re trying to keep up with everyone and everything. The older we get the harder it will be to develop a sustainable habit to take care of ourselves. Life will be interrupted more unexpectedly and can be unforgiving when we haven’t mastered out routine allowing us to bounce back. Check out my simply your self care routine video.  

Social media is meant to connect not to compare. Challenge yourself to go on a social media fast for a couple days a week and extend it as you become stronger and more confident in your own daily grind. Don’t lose sight of your dreams and goals by looking over at someone else’s.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Have you done a social media fast lately? If so, what were the results?