Joy Challenge #3: Take a social media sabbath
When my daughter is feeling extra cranky we go through a series of questions to try to figure out what’s wrong. Is she tired? Hungry? Needing a change of scenery? Usually the answer is “yes” to at least one, if not more, of those options – and then we know how to fix things. Get a snack, take a nap, go for a walk. I’ve started to realize that, when I’m flipping through social media screens on my phone or bouncing between tabs on my computer and I’m extra cranky, I need to ask myself some questions, too.
Am I tired? Have I been staying in my own lane? Hustling after things that aren’t the best part of what God wants for me? Have I been living a life worth writing about?
Once I figure out the “why” behind my feelings of frustration or envy, I can do something about it. I can rest. I’ll be honest, rest is hard for me. I don’t yet fully understand how to take a sabbath the way God intends – but I’m working on it. I do know, however, that stepping away from the space that is causing me to stumble is healthy. Running away and deleting my accounts and unfriending people isn’t healthy. But taking a break? That is something we all need.
So today, or this week, or the next time you feel like you want to throw your phone across the room because you just CAN’T EVEN with the highlight reel of everyone else’s life – take a sabbath. Turn off the noise, delete the apps, sign out, turn off the notifications for 24 hours (you can put the apps back on your phone later). Go outside for a change of scenery, live some life with your friends and family. Read a great book or make a craft or carve a pumpkin. Whatever it is that brings your heart joy.
Social media will go on without you – and your heart will thank you.
Questions:
- Have you ever taken a social media sabbath?
- What are your signs that you need to step away from the noise?
- What are you afraid might happen if you don’t post/share for a day?
nicki schroeder says
Yes yes and more yes! I once deleted my Instagram account when I had a few thousand followers because I was like, oh this service is totally lame and isn’t ever taking off. Ha, was I wrong. I should have just removed the app from my phone, told myself to chill out and relaxed. But I struggle with the concept of rest too. I’m totally an all or nothing girl, so for me just removing an app isn’t necessarily helpful. My brain is still like, oh it’s still out there, just go log in! 😉