Why Taking a Break from Social Media Can Benefit Your Business?

Break from Social Media.

Is social media even a bad thing? 

No, it isn't! But taking a break from it could actually be beneficial for your business and also your inner peace.

We get it; whether you have an online business or work close to social media, these platforms can give us new clients, help us build our company, and give us a pretty decent living. Nonetheless, everything in excess is harmful.

In a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study, researchers found that once Facebook became popular among universities, depression grew by 7% and anxiety disorder by 20%. While statistics can vary on how social media and technology affect users, it is common to feel some sort of anxiety in business. You could think that there is no increase in sales, people aren't engaging with your content, any other competitor could be doing better than you, and the constant scrolling through social media gives you some overwhelming sensation.

In this article, we want to explain how excess social media could affect your business and mental health and how you can find a balance between both sides.

Take a breath, ignore social media notifications for a while, and enjoy this article.

The Good Part of Social Media.

Benefits of Social Media.

As we said in the introduction, social media isn't bad, and this won't be the typical anti-social media article. As a digital agency, we work with social media, have expertise in the topic, and know how many benefits it has for business nowadays. Among them, we have:

Creating a community 

Before social media, a big wall existed between customers and "the brand." The communication between both parties was almost insignificant, and people wouldn't feel so connected to these companies.

Now, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have opened the door to let you have a more meaningful connection with our customers. This interaction lets you know firsthand how they are reacting to our products and services, which, in the end, turns into valuable insights for you to grow your company.

Brand Discovery

Today, most users get into social media to discover brands and products. This factor benefits small and big companies as social platforms are an easier channel to enter.

Before these digital platforms, TV and radio were the only way to try to get discovered, and even getting into it wouldn't assure you any success.

Now, if you build a great digital marketing plan, you can start growing your business as social media ads allow you to better target your customers. If you need more help with a digital marketing strategy, contact us!

Education

While we associate social media with entertainment and wasting time, many educational accounts can teach you about any topic you like, from business to art, well-being, and others.

Professional development and networking

Social media platforms like LinkedIn are valuable for building professional relationships, looking for workers or a customer, and networking.

We only mentioned LinkedIn as it is the most useful for business purposes. Nonetheless, other platforms can help you look for people who could help you with your business or new customers.

The Disadvantages of Social Media.

Disadvantages of Social Media.

Flipping the coin, we have to talk about the disadvantages of social media. 

As social platforms are a more accessible channel for every brand worldwide, it is easier to understand why today doing business may feel more competitive. This competitiveness and the stress of managing your business can bring you down from time to time, but to help you avoid these, we explain some of the most common bad things about social media.

The Impact on Mental Health.

Maybe it is pure intuition, but it looks strange that nowadays, we see more health issues in today's society. It could be that with social media and the open-minded way of thinking of today's younger generations, there is less taboo about mental issues like depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, some studies may put a link between these.

In a 2021 survey by ExpressVPN, 86 percent of 1,500 Americans reported that social media directly negatively impacts their happiness and self-image. Between 79 and 83 % reported adverse effects on anxiety, loneliness, and depression. In other founts, a 2022 cross-national online survey of the United States, U.K., Australia, and Norway found that those who used social media for entertainment or to decrease loneliness during the pandemic experienced poorer mental health.

For entrepreneurs, these feelings of depression and anxiety have a relationship with constantly looking at competitors. You could get discouraged by another company having more likes or followers or even stressed because you aren't getting as many customers as you would like.

Comparing yourself with how others are doing is pretty damaging and can hurt your overall performance.

FOMO

The Fear Of Missing Out is a "new feeling" that came with social media. To describe FOMO, it is the terror of not being part of a trend or an event, but this could go even further, like fearing that many others might be doing better.

Overwhelm

As a business, social media can be quite overwhelming.

First, you must adapt to the format of each social network you choose as a channel. In one, you have to make written content, in another, photos, and in the other, video content.

If you add to this burden the fact that trends and new techniques appear every day and that you have to stay on top of them to stay relevant, the stress meter can increase.

Finally, everything becomes complete chaos when a new social network arrives, and everyone goes straight to it to see who gets the most out of it. This is without considering that each social network has an algorithm, which also stresses us marketers a lot. Click here to learn all about the algorithms.

Addiction

Although we are not discussing psychotropic substances, you can still become addicted to networks.

Psychotropic substances cause this effect in addicts due to the dopamine spike they cause. In the same way, social media also gives you a dopamine spike when you've hit the bull's eye. The likes, new clients, and good results feel great. If you become dependent on these stimuli, it can be counterproductive for your mental health.

While an addict can have access to, say, "tobacco" whenever he wants, sometimes, not even the best viral video or ad campaign will 100% guarantee the best result. Consequently, it can generate an even worse feeling that you are not doing well.

Why Take a Social Media Break?

The reasons for taking a break may differ. On the first level, the decision to take a break is because dealing with the networks takes you down the path of bitterness.

This conduct is the same as being a workaholic. We know that as an entrepreneur, you want to give your all in your business, but when your passion takes you to somewhat insane limits, it is best to take a step back and replan. Among the most common symptoms of social media burnout, we find:

• Get mad or frustrated with trending posts or topics
• Sleep problems due to checking social media
• Experiencing or noticing an increase in anxiety or depression symptoms
• Losing focus and missing deadlines or neglecting chores

However, we by no means recommend that you abandon social media. Taking a break and quitting are different things.

Why don't we recommend abandoning it?

Well, it is counterproductive to disappear from the social networks altogether. Today, regardless of age or gender, most people search for products online, and if they don't find you, your chances of being forgotten increase.

Now, let's not go to the other extreme, either. If our mood deteriorates due to being aware of the networks, staying away from them for a while is highly recommended. If it is a reasonable amount of time, the declines in sales will probably be minimal, and other damages like losing followers will not be so notable. There are possibilities of losing something, but it is a priority that you can recover to develop optimally.

Outside of taking a break, the ideal thing is to modify our habits regarding social networks. We will share with you how you can manage the networks more healthily, but before that, we want you to see the benefits of taking a break from them.

The Surprising Benefits of Taking a Social Media Break

Conscious use of social networks can bring out the best in your business and keep your mood in optimal condition. Let's take a look at all these benefits.

Better Mental Health.

According to a 2018 study, investigators found a direct link between decreasing social media usage and improvements in depression and loneliness. Also, the MDPI conducted a study in 2020 where they asked participants to abstain from social media for a week. After this period, there was a significant increase in mental well-being and social connectedness after abstinence. As you can see, with just a week's break, you can get benefits for your mental health.

Adding to this, we can say that taking time out from social media can even help you improve your sleep quality. This 2021 study confirmed that limiting social media use for a week helps participants improve their well-being while preventing sleep problems. 

Improved Brain Functioning

With better sleep comes better brain functioning, a great side effect of just taking a break.

When people use too much social media, they start a behavior similar to addicts, as we explained before. Likes and improved results give you tiny dopamine releases, and as you get more used to it, you become addicted.

As you associate success with social media results, your mind numbs, and when you don't get those results, you get frustrated. This behavior will decrease your mental clarity and ability to solve problems when needed.

When you get better brain functioning, you can have for sure that you will have more creativity to face any obstacle and also the clarity to make better decisions.

Renew Your Brand.

Sometimes, you feel tired of networks because your strategy is already worn out. You've probably been using the same content and techniques for quite some time and already feel stuck.

We understand the pace of social media forces us all to make content almost daily; otherwise, our FOMO is activated, and we are afraid of being forgotten or not catching the next trend.

Even so, when you give yourself a break from this work, you can give your brain that break it needs to develop better and new ideas that give a positive twist to your brand.

Habits for a Healthy Social Media Management

Healthy management of social networks for entertainment is not the same as for business.

In the area of people who use it for entertainment, we could recommend things like deleting applications for a while, setting a timer, or even deactivating notifications.

If you also have a strong addiction to networks outside of work, these habits will help you, but not for work.

Uninstalling an application is like disappearing from the network, so in the first instance, this is ruled out. Turning notifications on silent could cause you to miss important client messages, so you should not use it. And timing them puts you in the same predicament since if you can only use it for 30 minutes, you'll probably miss all the necessary notifications.

In these habits, we want to go beyond the common and recommend routines that adapt to your work.

Schedule your Content.

Automation, what would we do without it?

Social networks have become increasingly complex with the recommended number of posts and the time we should publish.

Each social network will tell you something different in its insights; therefore, it becomes a nightmare to publish everything manually. Fortunately, automation tools help you solve this quickly; you only need to schedule them into the grid and then let them hit the feeds automatically. Tools like Hootsuite are incredible for this since they allow you to schedule posts for all networks and also be able to see their performance and the interactions they have.

Uninstall it from your Smartphone and put it on the Desktop.

We already know that we told you that uninstalling an app is like disappearing from it, but follow us with this one.

The smartphone has a greater chance of stealing more of our time than a computer. On the smartphone, accessing the app menu is a matter of one click by another, and scrolling endlessly on these devices is much easier. We just lower our thumbs, and we can waste hours in this bad habit. However, on the computer, it changes a little. Of course, you can access the networks in just one click. However, the process is perhaps a little longer:

• Open the computer.
• Open the search engine.
• Write in Google.
• Register.
• Finally, get to the feed.

Scrolling in this format is possible, but it is not the same ease, so you will probably get bored wasting time on this.

Putting the applications on your desktop gives you the impression that you have come to work, and that is what you should abide by.

Connect Social Media to your Website

Social networks should not be your central base of operation. The true center should be your website.

Depending on your niche, you can sell directly through social platforms or not; this is a practice in businesses such as retail. However, for other business models, it is always necessary to redirect people to the website. That is why you must pay attention to this aspect and place links that can quickly and effectively turn all those leads to your website.

Within your website, you know that the dynamic is already one of business and work. In this place, you will not find the endless distractions on social media.

Recognize Triggers

This strategy is more connected to psychology but can still help you be more efficient.

When seeking to treat a bad habit in psychology, doctors do not directly attack the bad habit but rather recommend that the patient avoid those triggers that lead him to do that.

The triggers can be seeing memes, stalking the competition, using the cell phone, or any other.

You can detect those "mini habits" triggered by excessive use of networks and get as far away from them as possible.

Final Thoughts

Social networks are not the enemy. Instead, they are a super effective tool to take your business to the masses. However, misused devices can become detrimental to one, which is why one must handle them efficiently and responsibly.

Even so, the best thing you can do when you deal with a lot of load is to seek the help of professionals with the necessary knowledge to move your social networks. At Codedesign, we have digital marketing experts who can help you create an efficient strategy and take all the weight off your shoulders. Enjoy social media while we do the heavy lifting. Contact us for more information!

FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that I might need a break from social media?

Signs that you might need a break from social media include feeling overwhelmed or stressed by the content you encounter, experiencing anxiety or depression linked to social media use, noticing a significant decrease in face-to-face interactions with friends and family, having difficulty concentrating on tasks outside of social media, and feeling envious or inadequate after viewing others' posts. These symptoms can affect not only personal well-being but also professional performance, as they can lead to decreased productivity and creativity. In the realm of digital marketing, where staying ahead of trends and managing online presence is crucial, recognizing these signs early can prevent burnout and maintain the quality of your work.

How does social media affect my mental health and business performance?

Social media can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, especially when usage is excessive or involves negative interactions. These mental health challenges can, in turn, affect business performance by reducing an individual's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and think creatively. For businesses, particularly those relying on digital marketing strategies, the pressure to maintain an active and engaging online presence can exacerbate these effects. However, when used judiciously, social media platforms can also offer valuable insights into consumer behavior, enable targeted advertising, and foster customer relationships, demonstrating their dual impact on mental health and business success.

What benefits can my business see from taking a temporary break from social media?

Taking a temporary break from social media can offer several benefits for businesses. It allows time for reflection on current social media strategies and their effectiveness, leading to more innovative and targeted approaches upon return. A hiatus can also improve team morale and creativity by reducing burnout and providing space for new ideas. Furthermore, reallocating time and resources away from social media temporarily can help businesses explore and invest in other marketing channels, such as SEO, content marketing, or email marketing, which might offer better ROI or align more closely with their target audience's preferences. For instance, clients of Codedesign have experienced increased website traffic and higher conversion rates by diversifying their digital marketing strategies beyond social media.

How can I balance the use of social media without negatively impacting my well-being?

Balancing social media use involves setting clear boundaries and goals for your engagement. This includes allocating specific times for social media activity, using tools to monitor and limit usage, and ensuring that content consumed is positive and enriching. Additionally, focusing on meaningful interactions rather than passive scrolling can enhance the quality of your social media experience. For professionals in digital marketing, leveraging automation and scheduling tools can maintain an active business presence online while freeing up personal time. Emphasizing quality over quantity in posts and interactions can also reduce the pressure to constantly be online, thus protecting your well-being.

Are there any studies that support the idea of taking a break from social media?

Yes, several studies support the idea of taking a break from social media. Research has shown that social media breaks can lead to improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. For instance, a study published in the "Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology" found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day resulted in significant reductions in loneliness and depression among participants. These findings suggest that taking a break or limiting time spent on social media can have positive effects on emotional well-being, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and creativity in professional settings, especially those reliant on digital marketing strategies.

What are some strategies for reducing social media use without harming my business?

Strategies for reducing social media use without negatively impacting your business include automating posts using social media management tools, setting specific times for social media activities, and delegating responsibilities among team members. Another effective approach is to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, allowing for more impactful engagement with fewer posts. Additionally, exploring other digital marketing channels, such as email marketing, SEO, or pay-per-click advertising, can diversify your strategy and reduce reliance on social media. This approach not only helps manage social media usage but also broadens your marketing reach.

How can I manage feelings of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when considering a social media break?

Managing feelings of FOMO when considering a social media break involves acknowledging the benefits of disengaging and focusing on the positive aspects of your life and work that exist outside of social media. Setting clear goals for your break can help you stay focused on its purpose and benefits. Engaging in offline activities that you enjoy and that contribute to your well-being can also mitigate feelings of missing out. From a business perspective, planning your social media break strategically—such as scheduling content in advance or aligning the break with slower business periods—can ensure that your digital marketing efforts continue seamlessly, thereby reducing anxiety related to professional responsibilities.

Can taking a break from social media improve my sleep quality?

Yes, taking a break from social media can significantly improve sleep quality. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle, and the mental stimulation from engaging with social media content can make it harder to relax and fall asleep. By reducing evening screen time and limiting social media use before bed, individuals can experience improvements in sleep onset and quality. This restorative sleep is crucial for maintaining cognitive functions, creativity, and decision-making abilities, all of which are essential for effective digital marketing strategy and business performance.

What steps can I take to effectively manage my business's social media accounts without becoming overwhelmed?

To manage your business's social media accounts without becoming overwhelmed, start by developing a clear and realistic social media strategy that aligns with your business goals and audience needs. Utilize social media management tools to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance metrics efficiently. It's also beneficial to allocate specific times for social media tasks to prevent constant checking and multitasking. Additionally, consider outsourcing or delegating tasks to team members with specific roles and expertise. This approach not only prevents burnout but also ensures that your social media presence is diverse, engaging, and professionally managed, reflecting the sophisticated digital marketing strategies employed by leading agencies like Codedesign.

After taking a break, how can I reintegrate social media use in a healthy and productive way?

Reintegrating social media use in a healthy and productive way involves setting clear boundaries and objectives for your engagement. Begin by slowly reintroducing social media activities into your routine, prioritizing tasks and platforms that offer the most value to your business and personal well-being. Implement strict time limits and use social media deliberately, focusing on engagement and content quality rather than quantity. Also, continue to evaluate the impact of social media on your mental health and business performance, adjusting your strategy as needed. This mindful approach to social media can enhance your digital marketing efforts, leading to more meaningful interactions and successful outcomes for your business.

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