why I’m taking a break from social media … 📲
okay, to be honest.. I was having a really rough day and deleted all my social media on a whim because i let my intrusive thoughts get the best of me.
BUTTTT days later, i’ve continued resisting redownloading all my apps, and i don’t regret it!
here’s why:
i feel like i’m doing this for the same reasons most people do … sometimes you just need to step away from the toxicity ! i’m also growing tired of aimlessly scrolling my phone. i wake up, scroll. throughout the day, scroll. before bed, scroll. and i’m tired of it. i want to live more present in the moment (ironic i’m talking about this in a social media post), but this is why i deleted all my social media. now, let’s talk about why i didn’t include lemon8, and why i wanted to keep it installed !
i don’t know about everyone else, but i personally don’t lump this app in with things like instagram or tiktok. the environment here does not feel the same, and there are many reasons for that (in my opinion).
while i LOOOOVE the aesthetic content I see on here, I feel like there’s not a huge pressure to be aesthetically pleasing to EVERYONE like there is on other social media platforms. which, this also feeds into another reason i appreciate lemon8 - the lack of toxicity. don’t get me wrong, i’m sure it exists on the platform. however, it’s not everywhere you look on here, and i love that! and finally; i do feel like lemon8 is genuinely helpful. there are so many posts that include great advice in SO many aspects of life. anytime someone posts asking for help or advice, generally speaking the comment section is supportive and uplifting whereas I feel that’s rare to find in other apps !
i’ve been using Lemon8 as my only social media for a few days now, and after getting used to not having other apps I’ve already noticed a difference!
i don’t wake up and immediately reach for my phone (unless it’s to text my boyfriend LOL). i find myself scrolling less, and when i am, it’s always here. and it’s always things that are helpful! i think in the long run, this break will prove beneficial to me. and who knows ? maybe i just … won’t go back. LOL.
Question : do you guys ever take breaks from social media? do you do so routinely ? and do you feel it’s helpful for you? I’m curious!!!
#Lemon8Diary #letschat #whyideleted #socialmediabreak #lemon8community
It’s funny, when I first hit delete on my apps, it was purely impulsive. But reflecting on it now, there were so many subtle signs that I needed that break, signs I wish I'd paid attention to sooner. Maybe you're feeling it too? That constant pull to check your phone, the anxiety when you see other people's 'perfect' lives, or just the sheer exhaustion from endless scrolling that leaves you feeling empty instead of inspired. If you're wondering if it's time for you to hit pause, here are a few things I noticed in myself that were huge red flags: The 'Scroll Before You Speak' Syndrome: Waking up and immediately grabbing your phone, even before saying good morning to anyone, or feeling the need to check it constantly throughout the day. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) or JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out)? If seeing others' posts makes you feel inadequate or anxious, rather than genuinely happy for them, that's a sign. I realized I was getting more FOMO than JOMO! Brain Fog & Lack of Presence: Feeling like your concentration is shot, or you're always half-listening because half your brain is wondering what's happening online. I wanted to be more present in my actual life. Negative Self-Talk: Comparing yourself to curated online personas can be brutal. If your self-esteem takes a hit after a scrolling session, it's definitely time to reassess. Sleep Disruption: Screen time before bed messes with sleep, and I was definitely guilty of that endless late-night scroll. So, how do you actually stop that 'neverending' feeling without completely vanishing? It's not always about deleting everything, though that worked for me initially! Here are some practical steps I've learned or heard from others that can help: Set Time Limits: Most phones have built-in features to limit app usage. Try setting a timer for 30 minutes a day for certain apps and stick to it! Curate Your Feed Mercilessly: Unfollow accounts that don't bring you joy, inspiration, or genuine connection. Mute or unfollow those that make you feel bad. Remember, you control your feed, not the other way around. Designate "No-Phone" Zones/Times: Make your bedroom a phone-free zone, especially an hour before bed and an hour after waking. Or keep your phone out of reach during meals or family time. Find Real-Life Replacements: What did you do before social media consumed your time? Read a book, go for a walk, pick up a hobby, call a friend. Actively replace scrolling with something fulfilling. Turn Off Notifications: This is a game-changer! Only check apps when you intentionally open them, instead of being constantly pulled in by alerts. For me, keeping Lemon8 was about finding a space that felt different. The "winking lemon icon" on my screen now represents a positive, helpful corner of the internet, unlike the overwhelming feeds elsewhere. I truly believe that with intentional choices, you can transform your social media experience from a 'neverending' scroll into something genuinely beneficial and uplifting. It’s all about taking back control!
I have actually been going to Lemon8 more than I have been going to Insta lately and that is saying a lot for me 😂 I feel like I don’t put as much pressure on myself when I post here vs Insta and I can be myself more here 🥰