Why Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Can Make You Happier

Today, saying “No” to living a digital life is not only a scientists’ concern but also a popular trend. Some celebrities, including Meghan Markle, Ariel Winter and Ed Sheeran, have even deleted all or parts of their social media accounts.

Although everybody has their own reasons – like avoiding bullying or satisfying their need for privacy – for giving digital detox a try, enjoying reality and becoming happier are the leading goals among most social media “rebels.”

Here at ENTITY, we already covered the strategies of spending less time on social media, but today we want to take it to the next level and talk about how deleting social media for good can improve your happiness.

1 It Can Bring Down Your Stress Levels.

Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash

Fifty-six percent of social media users suffer from FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out Syndrome, according to a study conducted by MyLife.com. This means, many of us are anxious about missing out on events, news and important status updates when away from social networks. It is important to remember, however, that chronic anxiety and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems.

Thus, undergoing a complete technology detox can help bring down cortisol levels and therefore improve your mental and physical wellbeing. This doesn’t mean, though, that you have to quit cold turkey. Deleting one social media account at a time will ease the process and boost your confidence because every small achievement makes us feel good about ourselves. So, unplug, relax and thrive!

2 Use Envy to Your Advantage.

Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash

By reflecting on our vulnerable moments and practicing new habits, we can turn an undignified and harmful emotion into a means of improving our performance and achieving our goals. Studies conducted at Harvard University suggest that before deleting your accounts, make a list of things you are most jealous of on social media. Would you like to travel the world and see the peaks of the Bavarian Alps and explore Ancient Druid Castles? Or maybe taste a gourmet dish with a name you can’t even pronounce?

Once you have your list, create an inspiration board, put it in the most prominent place and concentrate on making your wildest dreams come true. When you’re not busy pining over someone else’s photos, you’ll be more encouraged to be proactive about attaining your goals.

3 DON T LOOK AT YOURSELF, LOOK WITHIN YOURSELF.

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

We tend to think that posting on social media is the same as creating memories for life, but it actually prevents us from looking around and remembering the world the way it is, without filters. To achieve inner peace, zoom out and focus on your personal growth. Think of ways you can use the time you would spend on social media that’d be beneficial for you.

For example, instead of scrolling through the Facebook newsfeed, you can read an article on LinkedIn that will help you solve a work-related problem. Or instead of trying fifty-five different filters and coming up with a killer caption for your Instagram post, download a cognitive improvement app like Lumosity (iOS and Android), or an inspirational app, like Culture Trip (iOS and Android) and have fun improving your cognitive responses, as well as emotional intellect.

BONUS.

Here are some simple things you can do when your hand is itching for your smartphone.

• Watch a Ted Talk on a subject that interests you.
• Read a book by a foreign writer.
• Make a travel bucket list.
• Meditate or do yoga.
• Volunteer or participate in a charity movement or event.