As college students who are busy either attending classes and academic, athletic, Greek, and other extracurricular commitments, in addition to constantly being “in the know” in regard to our social lives, it can be difficult to set aside time in a day to focus solely on ourselves and our own personal needs, without any outside distractions. In the society we live in, being “connected” to outside events through social media and other mediums is of extreme importance. One must receive a sufficient amount of likes on a posted Instagram or Facebook profile picture in order to feel at ease, and many of us feel an intense need to “look” social, fun, and happy at all times.

While being connected to the outside world and spending time with others is important and good for your health, setting aside some quieter “me” time is equally as necessary too. By taking a break from social media and all of the drama that it typically includes, you allow yourself to experience a calmer environment in which you can reflect on your own thoughts, experiences, and feelings without being inundated with notifications about what-is-happening-right-at-this-exact-moment.

I know that it can be hard to pull yourself away from the lure of social media and technology, but I have found that the less time I spend on my phone, checking Snapchat, Instagram, or other social media outlets, the less compelled I feel to engage in them. Try turning off your phone for a few hours, and enjoy the quiet bliss of being “unconnected” for a little bit. Of course, FOMO is real, but can’t you remember all of the times you thought you were missing out on a great mixer or party or other social gathering because of the pictures your friends posted, only to attend a very similar party the next weekend and even the weekend after and have just an “okay” time? The advent of social media has allowed pretty, fun pictures to veil truth. I’m not saying that all parties are not fun (a lot of them are) or that you should stop attending parties or going out—what I’m saying is, I don’t think you’ll miss out on all that much “fun” by taking an hour or two to yourself each day.

Your “alone time” can be as simple as time you set aside to read a book, go for a walk or run, paint your nails, listen to relaxing music, or write in your journal. What it comes down to is that it’s important for you to be able to reflect on and interpret your own thoughts without the constant “noise” and distractions that surround you on a daily basis. Having “alone time” may seem strange to you at first, but over time you may find yourself enjoying and looking forward to a period that leaves you feeling calmer and refreshed. You will hopefully learn to be as equally connected to yourself as you are to your outside environment.