As someone whose job focuses on social media, it’s easy to see how our world is starting to revolve around it. I truly believe it is an important tool and can be used in both professional and personal settings. However, I don’t think that it should be the only thing we do. I am guilty of this myself, as I’m sure many other people are too. It’s so easy to get sucked in. Sometimes I find myself opening an app, refreshing it, closing it, and then opening it right back up again! When this happens, I feel ridiculous, and I know that I am missing out on so much more.
While it’s certainly not easy to “unplug,” I think it’s necessary. Even if for a time as short as five minutes. Seriously, any minute not spent obsessing over your phone is a moment that can be spent doing something else, something probably more impactful. Trust me, I know the temptation of stalking every possible person, brand, account, celebrity, etc. However, when I step away for even a few minutes, I catch myself realizing there is so much more going on. When I go hours without scrolling, or if I miss a notification (that isn’t urgent), I actually feel a sense of relief. Being absolutely glued to your phone isn’t fun, especially once you know how good it feels to live in the moment.
Now I know that sounds cliché, and in today’s world, it kind of seems impossible, but there’s a happy medium between unplugging completely and staring at your phone for hours on end. I know this because I have personal experience in that special little place. As I said, I work in the social media industry, and there is something about doing it as your job that takes away part of the glamour. I still love it, and as a writer, I will never stop loving it, but I will also never stop pursuing living in the moment.
This is as simple as leaving your phone in a different room when you have company over or leaving it in your bag while you’re out with friends. (Yes, you can still take that gram-worthy photo of your brunch!) Just after you post it, put your phone away. You’ll be shocked at how much more of your experience you take in. The name of your waiter, the color of the walls, the artwork next to your table—you’ll notice it all It’s scary how much we miss when we’re constantly refreshing Twitter or scrolling through the explore page on Instagram. Social media isn’t going anywhere—this is evident. So, each day, try to focus on the moments that are happening. Time flies, and so do great experiences. You don’t want to miss them!
How do you live in the moment in today’s world full of social media? Let us know in the comments!
Featured photo by Julia Michael.
