If you read a lot of business advice online, you’re probably used to hearing that you should be all over the place online to grow your business. It always seems like there’s a new method of doing business that’s all the rage or a new way of using social media pops up to throw you off your game.
While social media and other advancements in this age can be integral for growth, I also believe that taking social media breaks are necessary for your sanity. Here are three reasons I suggest taking a break from social media to regroup.
Reclaim Your Time
Let’s be real — social media can be a huge time suck. Sure, you may consider posting, scheduling, liking, and engaging on social media as work, but this time spent may not be directly making you money. It’s also easy to go down the rabbit hole with social media. You’ll be doing business related activities one minute and then watching cat videos the next.
The truth is, if you’re not intentional, social media can be nothing but a tool for procrastination. My social media focus is mainly on the platform that gets me the best results. That platform right now is Pinterest. Consider taking a break from being everywhere on social media and focusing on platforms that can get you the results you want.
Quiet the Outside Influences
When you’re creating, it’s a good idea to quiet the noise. Too much noise while you’re making various products or fine-tuning your services can influence your work. You’ve probably noticed in the online business world that a lot of us are starting to sound the same. At times, it can feel like one big echo chamber.
When planning and strategizing lately, I unfollow other pages and mute social media profiles so I can be as unique as possible. I don’t want to be influenced by what other people are doing, and I want my voice to be as distinct as possible.
Halt Comparison
The last reason I take breaks from social media is to avoid comparison. I’m a big proponent of following your own journey and keeping blinders to others. Ignoring what other people are doing is difficult regardless of your confidence level.
I clean up my social media feed every so often so I’m not alway seeing everyone’s business highlights. It keeps me sane. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud other people’s highlights. But they can turn into a distraction and it’s difficult not to compare. Comparing does everyone a disservice because your path, skills, and talents are different than the next person’s. It’s easier to keep my eyes on my own paper and grow my personal business and brand when I’m solely focused on what I have going on.
Final Word
Our phones are akin to an extra appendage these days. One of the tactics I use is hiding my phone during the day to stay away from social media and other phone distractions. It keeps me productive and taking breaks helps me stay creative and inspired by my surroundings.
