By: Ayla Sorochuk, #TeamRawBeauty
When Erin asked me to join her in our social media Raw Detox, I truly didn’t think I could manage. In all honesty, I had no idea how this detox was going to be possible for me. Not only is it an every day clutch, but it’s also my job. I have clients who I am responsible for posting on their behalf on social media every.single.day. Thus, the panic sunk in.
I attempted to get all my clients social posts created in advance, in hopes that this would allow me to only post for them and then immediately sign off. Turns out this not only worked like a charm, but I was also more productive and left feeling more on top of things than ever before. Instead of having to come up with copy and images on the fly, it was all complete for me a week in advance, taking away that stress and anxiety of not being able to think of something creative to post in real-time. If you work in the online or social media space – you will fully understand this struggle.
Here are 6 ways my social media detox changed my life:
- I found the time to do fulfilling things I’d been putting off forever. I did not realize how much of my day-to-day time was being sucked away because of social media. By disconnecting, I found myself having more time for myself than I knew what to do with. It was actually quite shocking. Instead of sitting and scrolling before bed, I opened a book – this was the first time I have done this since University (sad, but true). I was able to sit, think, plan and tackle more in my day-to-day routine than I ever imagined.
- I did things for me vs. Instagram. I realized I was quickly losing my drive to do things for me, and instead doing things that were “Instagram” worthy. Stepping back allowed me to snap out of it, see the bigger picture, and jump back into my own reality.
- My real relationships got stronger. This was a BIG one for me, especially when it came to my fiancé. Since I was no longer participating in the downward daily/nightly scrolling funnel, it forced him to take a step back as well. We started talking after work, and before bed, and during dinner, and the list goes on….I didn’t realize how much of our time together was spent pretty much ignoring one another and scrolling on our phones. This was a HUGE wake up call for us.
- I felt better about my own life. When there are so many people posting every single day and so much information coming at us, it’s so easy to get caught up in someone else’s highlight reel. During my break I was able to turn the focus back on me, instead of focusing on all the things everyone else is doing. I was able to look back at all my own accomplishments, and be proud of where I am in this stage of my life. I realized that the only power and control I have is my own, and as long as I love what I’m doing and who I’m with, then the rest will simply fall into place.
- I started living moments fully. This one hit me pretty hard in the beginning of the 7-day detox. I honestly had no idea how much I was missing on a daily basis when the majority of my time was being taken up by my phone. I quickly felt as though I had missed so much of my life the last few years – little moments, the ones that actually matter. Without having to post daily I didn’t pick up my phone for every little thing, and instead, I could preserve for the moments that really moved me. I am now finding myself living for the moment, enjoying life as it is and staying present in life rather than documenting/sharing it 24/7. It’s been the best.
At the end of the day, life is all about balance. As with anything, even a good thing, can be harmful. I’m already back on social media, but the way I approach it moving forward will be different. I have turned off all my notifications, my phone will go away at a certain time of each day (WAY before bed), I will post for me and me alone, and I will remember that it’s important to step out of the virtual highlight reel of social media, and step back into my own pretty freaking awesome world.
-Ayla xo
#TeamRawBeauty
One more thing! If you happened to miss joining the detox with us, we encourage you to still try and schedule one in on your own time. Trust us, you won’t be sorry.
Let us know how you do by sharing your story in the FB Raw Tribe or by using the hashtag #DisconnectToConnect on social.
