Gasp! No social media?

That's right. Imagine being able to raise your productivity level. Think of all the free time you would have if you weren't sitting around on your phone all day. It's sad to think that we are currently indulging in a society that doesn't even know how to walk to the mailbox without their latest gadget in hand. In the past, I have chosen to do a social media fast. I know, it sounds a little silly doesn't it, but I was shocked by the end of the dreaded fast. Honestly, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately and I know the good old IG needs to go for a bit. So let me share 5 benefits of ditching your phone and social media.

1. You will learn to be more intentional about relationships.

When I first said, "Goodbye" to social media, I thought that I would feel a disconnect from those around me. I mean besides the fact that I missed out on Kylie Jenner's birth, I was all good. Surprise! I didn't feel left out at all. In fact, I noticed that I was more intentional about the people I was hanging out with. Instead of us laying around on our phone getting caught up in the latest posts, we were soaking in each other's reality.

2. You will surprisingly get more things done.

This sounds so shocking because it's like DUH. The number of things that I got done in a day because I had nothing better to do was amazing. Instead of sitting around on my phone when I was bored, I was up doing things. I finally tackled my neverending to-do list and felt more accomplished when I called it a night. If you think about it, it's crazy how much time we are will to spend sitting around doing nothing productive on our phones. So why not spend that time actually getting stuff done and stop making excuses.

3. You will get caught up on sleep and feel more rested.

Do not lie... we are all guilty of claiming, "Oh I'm tired, I'm going to go to bed," but we actually don't do it. We get cozy and sit with our face glued to the glowing screen in front of us. It's embarrassing how much time you get lost just scrolling late at night. I actually got into bed and went to sleep. What a weird thing to do! Not only was I actually getting to bed at a decent time, but I was rolling out of bed in the morning with no distractions. I was out the door in no time ready for the day.

4. You will quit comparing your personal life to those on your screen.

Sadly, it's too easy to find yourself caught up in someone else's personal life. I don't know why we have to have an obsession with someone else's life. For real though, why can't I just be me and love how I do my life. I don't need to know all about Justin Beiber's love life. I will be okay if I miss out on the latest trend. Never did I notice how much other people's social media post affected my own feed. I want to have their presets or pose like her. I need to focus on my own social media content. I'm spreading the idea of being original.

5. Ultimately, you will break a bad habit and feel free.

Now that I have lived a temporary life without social media, I have no problem leaving my phone behind. There is not one thought in the back of my head that consist of, "What if I miss something." I've left my phone in the car before and actually sat down while having a meal with friends with no distractions. I'm not going to lie though, it might feel weird at first, but there is something liberating about not letting your social media control you. I don't have to update my IG story every time someone does something thrilling.

There you have it! Break the ugly addiction and move on with life. Lately, I have felt worn out and I know I need a good breather. You guessed it! The first thing to go is my social media. I consider it time to do soul searching. I want to be more intentional about the way that I am spending my time. It's exhausting being controlled by colorful apps on your phone. It's important to have the mindset that it's only temporary. I set a timeline for myself and stick to it. I'm ready to feel authentic and I'm going to take the correct action to get there.

See yah later, social media!