5 REASONS TO DITCH SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUR VACATION
In the past decade, social media has become an integral part of modern life. For most, it has offered the chance to reconnect with old friends, stay connected, and forge relationships with friends and loved ones living in other parts of the world.
Yet when you’re on vacation, it can pay huge dividends for your health to add social media to the list of things you’re leaving behind for a few days.
Here are 5 reasons why making the decision to take a break from social media on your vacation will make you happier and healthier.
#1 – An Instant Mood Boost
Seeing photos of a friend’s new baby or a post about their recent promotion at work might bring you joy, but it can also have the opposite effect.
In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology found that people who spent more time on Facebook were more depressed than those who spent less time scrolling their news feeds because they were constantly comparing their own lives and experiences to others.
If you turn your trip into a social media vacation, you won’t be constantly thinking about what your friends are doing or how the office is getting by without you. Instead, you’ll be able to fully experience, and take advantage of, the relaxation and rejuvenation the trip affords.
#2 – A Greater Appreciation of Nature
Social media gives you the opportunity to see beautiful and faraway places without ever having to travel. Although every photo you see is probably painstakingly edited and not a true representation of the location, it can still make you feel envious.
Taking a break from these photos and paying attention to your surroundings—whether that’s a pristine beach or a lush green mountain—will help you better see and appreciate the beauty around you. Fully immersing yourself in nature also has endless benefits for your physical and mental health.
#3 – Eating Healthier
There are countless companies on social media dedicated to curating photos showcasing mouthwatering food and although they’re amazing to see, they can trigger unhealthy eating behaviors.
According to a 2016 study, people who spent the most time on social media were more than two times more likely to report issues with body image and eating, while other studies have found that viewing photos and videos of food can lead to excess hunger.
Removing these triggers removes temptation and also gives you the chance to listen to your body and how it responds to food. With the constant stimulus of social media telling you what you should be eating and enjoying out of the way, you can focus on eating healthy foods that nourish your body and prevent weight gain.
#4 – Stronger Relationships
Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family or friends, making your vacation a digital detox can help foster and strengthen those relationships. Instead of thinking about checking your social media feed, you’ll enjoy and appreciate the adventures you’re experiencing together and build memories that will last a lifetime.
#5 – Better Long-Term Habits
It may not have existed 15 years ago, but today digital wellness is something to consider in the scope of a healthy lifestyle. Taking a vacation from social media, even if it’s just for a few days, can serve as a much-needed reminder that you don’t need it to survive.
When you return home, you may check your social media feeds a little less and focus on living in the moment a little more.
