I’m a social media strategist and manager who runs an online business and blogs, so I spend a lot of time online. Working, learning and connecting with people all over the world with just a click of a mouse.
Although, I love being online because it allows me to reach more people, allows me to hide my social awkwardness and is often fast and easy, I still strongly value in-person connections.
After spending 8 hours behind a screen at work, then another 4-5 after work for my business, not including the countless times I check my phone, I spend over 60 hours a week staring at a lit box. So, meeting in person is truly refreshing.
Social media can never replace making eye contact and shaking hands, being able to pick up on non-verbal cues and the time and effort it takes to meet someone for coffee. I love being able to really hear someone’s voice without worrying about poor internet connection.
Connecting in person isn’t the only advantage of in-person connecting. Online connections have a host of problems attached.
Since it’s so easy to connect with everyone, everyone wants to connect all the time. Being so active online means having people messaging, emailing and commenting daily. I’ve had to turn notifications off on my phone to keep from getting overwhelmed. Taking a step back from the computer can alleviate stress and anxiety of always having to be available.
With social media, it’s also easy to feel like you’re not good enough. With everyone usually sharing the most wonderful parts of their lives, you may leave feeling unsure about your own life.
That’s another important reason to step away from the computer. Like right now!
If you’re feeling down on yourself because of what you’re seeing on social media, feel free to take a break! Delete the apps for the weekend, don’t check all day, whatever you need.
You deserve a refresh
Lastly, don’t let being on the internet all the time make you forgot about what you love to do! Reading, writing, hiking, etc. We put off so much that we want to do and don’t realize it’s because we spend way too much time working, scrolling and posting.
I’ve started planning time in my week to do things that I enjoy that don’t involve being on a computer. Want to join me?
