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Unplug Like Jenna Ortega: How a Social Media Break Can Boost Mindfulness and Mental Health
MIndful Petals
August 30, 2024
These days our phones are practically glued to our hands, the idea of stepping away from social media might seem a bit extreme. Yet, as actress Jenna Ortega recently showed us, sometimes hitting the pause button on our digital lives isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential for our mental health. Jenna’s decision to delete her Twitter account serves as a wake-up call, reminding us all that sometimes, less really is more. But what can we learn from her experience, and how might taking a break from social media help us become more mindful and mentally healthy?
LA LATA, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Let’s be honest — social media is designed to keep us hooked. Whether it’s the thrill of getting a new like, the curiosity of who’s doing what, or just the endless scrolling through content, these platforms are engineered to grab and hold our attention. While it’s fun and even useful in some ways, there’s a dark side to all this screen time. Research has shown that spending too much time on social media is linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others, the barrage of “perfect” lives, and the pressure to keep up can take a serious toll on how we feel about ourselves.
On top of that, being glued to our screens can make it hard to be fully present in the moment. When our minds are constantly distracted by notifications and news feeds, it’s challenging to practice mindfulness — an essential component of mental clarity and emotional well-being. It’s like trying to listen to your favorite song while someone is talking loudly in the background; the noise of social media drowns out our inner peace.
Jenna Ortega’s decision to step away from social media shines a light on the potential upsides of taking a break from these platforms. By choosing to unplug, you’re giving yourself the space to focus on what really matters — your mental health and well-being. Here are some of the big benefits you might experience:
Better Focus and Productivity: Without the constant ping of notifications, you might find it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand, leading to greater productivity in both your work and personal life.
More Mindfulness: When you’re not preoccupied with what’s happening online, you can be more present in your everyday life. This might mean fully engaging in a conversation, enjoying a walk without distractions, or simply savoring a quiet moment.
Improved Sleep: The blue light from screens can mess with your sleep patterns. By cutting down on screen time — especially before bed — you’re likely to enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.
Less Anxiety and Stress: Without the constant need to check in, you might find that your stress levels drop and your overall anxiety decreases, leading to a more peaceful state of mind.
Stronger Connections: With less time spent online, you have more time to build and strengthen real-life relationships. After all, nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to connecting with others.
Thinking about taking a social media break but not sure where to start? It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Here’s how you can ease into it:
Define Your Goals: Start by asking yourself why you want to take a break. Are you hoping to reduce stress, improve your focus, or just take a mental health break? Knowing your reasons will help you stay committed.
Take Baby Steps: If the thought of completely disconnecting feels too daunting, start small. Set specific times of day when you allow yourself to check social media, and gradually reduce your screen time from there.
Mute or Delete Apps: Consider deleting social media apps from your phone or at least turning off notifications. This makes it easier to resist the temptation to check them constantly.
Find Mindful Alternatives: Instead of reaching for your phone, try filling that time with activities that promote mindfulness — like journaling, reading, exercising, or simply enjoying some quiet time.
Get Some Backup: If you’re finding it tough to go it alone, why not enlist a friend for a joint social media break? Having someone to share the experience with can make it easier and more enjoyable.
Real-Life Wins from Stepping Away
Jenna Ortega isn’t the only one who’s found peace by stepping back from social media. Many people, from celebrities to everyday folks, have discovered that reducing or even eliminating their social media use can lead to big improvements in mental health and happiness.
For example, some people report feeling less anxious and more in control after a social media detox. Others have found that they have more time to discover new hobbies, improve their relationships, and even explore new opportunities in their personal and professional lives. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you’re not constantly distracted by your phone!
What If You’re Not Ready to Quit Cold Turkey?
If you’re not quite ready to cut ties with social media completely, that’s okay. There are still ways to engage more mindfully:
Set Time Limits: Use your phone’s settings to limit how much time you spend on social media each day.
Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that bring you down and follow ones that inspire you or make you happy.
Take Regular Breaks: Even short breaks from social media can help you reset and recharge.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
Jenna Ortega’s story highlights the less talked-about, but very real, downsides of social media. Yet, it also offers a powerful example of how taking a step back can lead to a healthier, more mindful life. Whether you decide to take a full break or just cut down on your usage, the benefits are clear: more focus, stronger relationships, less stress, and a deeper connection to the present moment.
In a world that’s always online, sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to unplug and reconnect with what really matters. So, take a page from Jenna Ortega’s book, and see what a social media break can do for you. It might just be the key to finding the peace and balance you’ve been looking for.