Planning A Social Media Break? Things You Can Do Instead

Imagine a world without social media—how would your mental health be in that case? Many of us are so intertwined with social platforms that disconnecting feels impossible. From dusk till dawn, all we are doing is planning and posting. While social media keeps us updated on the lives of our loved ones, it also has immense negative impact on our mental health.

A recent survey conducted by healthline revealed that 25% of respondents feel social media harms their mental health, and 53% believe reducing usage could help. This jumps to 66% for those whose mental health worsened during the pandemic. Research supports these concerns, linking excessive use to anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor sleep.

On the contrary, quitting social media has its own benefits. Studies show that social media breaks can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep. Activities like walking, reading, yoga, or connecting with loved ones can replace scrolling and foster well-being. Echoeing the same thought, this article presents your list of things you can do during your social media break.

If you use social media to relax

If you find you reach for your phone when you have a little downtime, consider swapping for these options instead:

• Take a walk around the block.
• Put on some music.
• Set the mood with candles or diffuse some essential oils.
• Read a book.
• Try doodling or crafting.
• Bake something delicious.
• Play with a pet.
• Try yoga or meditation.
• Drink a soothing, hot beverage, like a tea or hot chocolate.
• Look at old photos and reminisce.

If you use social media to connect with others

If you find yourself longing for some human connection and the desire to check your feed arises, try these activities instead:

• Call a friend or family member (bonus points for a video call!).
• Invite someone over for dinner or drinks.
• Bake something and offer it to your neighbors, lingering to chat when you deliver it.
• Organize a weekend brunch, hike, or shopping trip with friends.
• Check out Meetup.com for like-minded groups to join (and actually attend an event!).
• Volunteer at a local food bank or other organization.
• Take a class through your local Parks and Recreation Department.
• Join a community group, like a church, nonprofit, or club.
• Take a goat yoga class — you’re almost certain to come away smiling.

If you use social media for entertainment

Instead of memes and 30-second videos, opt for some IRL entertainment:

• Go see some live music.
• Check out an arcade (Skee-Ball, anyone?).
• Try a paint your own pottery studio, like Color Me Mine.
• Learn an instrument.
• Take a dance or martial arts class.
• Take a hike (literally).
• Take a trip to a local museum.
• Try your hand at gardening.
• Listen to a podcast.
• Read a book.
• Gather some friends or family and play a board game.