Why Social Media Fast Was the Best Decision for My Mental Health

Understanding the Challenge of Non-Productive Behavior

It may come as a surprise that I, someone whose social media posts reach millions, advocate for stepping back from these platforms. Yet, this decision stems from a deep understanding of the chaos it can create.

Despite utilizing social media for professional purposes, I chose to take a break from personal use, particularly from platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

My situation is one that resonates with many. In fact, around 70% of the American population has social media accounts.

A systematic literature review published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction addressed the issues surrounding social media addiction and attachment styles.

The researchers, in their article titled Effects of Social Media on Mental Health: A Review, noted:

> “The imbalance created by excessive usage of social media is a significant concern for parents, researchers, and society regarding the mental health of individuals.”

Regrettably, I became acutely aware of the adverse effects of social media on my mental well-being. My mental health was threatened by this addiction.

Fortunately, I identified the problem early and took decisive action to prevent it from escalating.

It was distressing to be governed by misconceptions and the worries of others in an online realm.

In my case, breaking this unproductive cycle was essential. However, scientists affirm that relinquishing dopamine-driven habits is challenging, even when we recognize their detrimental effects.

Thus, the more effective strategy is to replace these habits with healthier alternatives that also promote dopamine release.

This narrative encompasses personal experiences and valuable lessons learned along my professional path.

Before delving into the specifics of my journey, I want to clarify that I do support the use of social media and technology for business purposes. As a technologist, I recognize the value these tools can offer in various contexts.

However, issues arise when these platforms begin to dominate our lives. I had to make difficult choices to reclaim my health, fitness, and precious time.

Chronic stress is linked to nearly every ailment. This fact is indisputable. A recent study by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health revealed that “even small daily stress factors can lead to health problems later in life.”

Like many professionals, I experienced significant chronic stress.

My primary challenge was misunderstanding the true nature of mental and emotional stress. I believed it only manifested through physical discomfort or fatigue. This misconception proved to be a mistake.

I never considered that positive experiences—like hard work, dedication, and even enthusiasm—could contribute to stress. I was unaware of the hormonal ramifications of stress.

For instance, I didn't realize that elevated cortisol levels could be harmful to the brain until I began experiencing troubling symptoms.

Social media became my greatest time sink. Eliminating its use resulted in the most profound positive change.

Initially, reconnecting with childhood friends on social media filled me with excitement.

At first, engaging with them was a joy. However, as my friend list grew, two underlying issues emerged.

I failed to notice these problems at first, much like a frog slowly boiling in water.

The first issue was the increasing amount of time spent conversing with these acquaintances. Many requested my email address, sharing lengthy life stories that I read with enthusiasm.

One day, I realized I was investing at least two hours responding to messages, engaging with posts, and clearing emails.

Time loss was not my only concern. The real issues stemmed from two factors:

1. Overloading myself with two hours of excessive interactions.
2. Sacrificing my downtime for excitement.

After a full day of work, I found myself spending two additional hours on social media analysis and responses. Though it didn't seem like formal work, it eventually added up to ten hours each day.

I realized I was trying to solve the problems of friends with whom I lacked real-life connections. Their issues weighed heavily on me.

Surprisingly, rather than bringing joy, most of these interactions resulted in stress, as they often shared their relationship troubles, family conflicts, business failures, and health issues.

I felt like an unqualified therapist, absorbing their stress and concerns, which created significant mental strain.

I only recognized this stress when my doctor informed me that my cortisol levels were alarmingly high. We discussed the stressors in my life, and the culprit quickly became apparent: social media.

To address this, I didn't abruptly cut all ties. Instead, I assessed my friendships. Out of over a thousand connections, only about ten truly resonated with me—those I genuinely wanted to engage with. The rest were sources of unnecessary noise.

I reached out to these ten friends, added them to my contact list, and informed them of my social media break. They understood and supported my choice.

After a few months of abstaining from social media, I noticed that most of the noise-makers faded away. I cherished the opportunity to connect with my true friends at our own pace, supporting each other when needed.

These friends understood the value of reciprocity and personal responsibility, avoiding constant complaints.

By stepping back from social media, I experienced a significant reduction in mental burden. My sleep improved, and I found I was achieving more by doing less.

At first, I craved the dopamine rush that social media provided, a phenomenon well-documented in research on social media addiction.

However, I redirected my energy towards fulfilling activities like reading, listening to classical music, enjoying spa baths, jumping on trampolines, writing, and engaging in meaningful conversations with real friends. This substitution helped me overcome my cravings.

Gaining two extra hours each day for enriching activities vastly improved my quality of life and significantly lowered my stress levels. Stress was detrimental to my existence, but after disconnecting from social media, both my mental health and fitness flourished.

Honestly, I lost nothing by stepping away from social media. I still utilize various platforms for business, but that's a different narrative for another time. I shared my insights on the productive and meaningful use of social media for writers in this story.

While social media messaging may appear exciting and entertaining, it does not provide the same relaxation as engaging in activities that bring genuine joy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my experiences. I wish you a life filled with health and happiness.

Additional Insights on Social Media's Role for Creators

Sample Health Improvement Articles for New Readers

I write about various hormones and neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, GABA, and more.

One of my objectives as a writer is to raise awareness about the causes and risk factors of widespread diseases that can lead to significant suffering.

To promote health awareness, I have penned numerous articles that compile my holistic health findings from research and personal experiences. Below are links for easy access:

> Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, and more.

I have also covered valuable nutrients, providing links for easy reference:

> Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Phosphatidylserine, Boron, Urolithin, and others to enhance metabolism and mental health.

Disclaimer: Please note that my posts do not constitute professional or health advice. I document my observations and experiences solely to inform and raise awareness.

I share my lifestyle, health, and well-being stories on EUPHORIA. My focus includes metabolic, cellular, mitochondrial, and mental health insights.

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