I’ve always had a complicated relationship with social media. On one hand, it’s an incredible part of my career and a tool that allows me to connect with people all over the world. On the other, it can stir up feelings of comparison, distraction, and stress. It’s the blessing and the curse of our digital age—something we can’t quite live without, but also something that sometimes takes more from us than it gives.

The conclusion I’ve come to, after years of navigating this space, is that the key is balance. Social media doesn’t have to be all or nothing. But just like any relationship, it benefits from healthy boundaries and the occasional pause. That’s why I believe so strongly in the value of taking intentional breaks—a little “social detox,” if you will.

Here are a few of the reasons I swear by these resets and why you might want to try one for yourself.

A reminder of what really matters

Over the holidays, my partner and I decided to unplug. We wanted to soak up family time, enjoy the city, and savor the simple joy of being still. What surprised me was how quickly I realized that life without my phone felt lighter, more present, and—dare I say it—happier.

Suddenly, the highlights of my day weren’t tied to a feed or a “like” count. They were about the small things: lounging in pajamas with my niece, cooking a cozy meal together, or grabbing flowers and coffee on a crisp winter walk. It was a powerful reminder that happiness doesn’t live inside a screen.

Proof that life goes on

For anyone in a content-driven field, the fear of falling off the grid is very real. The pressure to post consistently can feel endless. But when I took a step back, I realized something comforting: the world keeps spinning even if you don’t share every detail in real time.

Your friends will still be there. Your audience won’t disappear. And more importantly, your worth isn’t tied to your output. Sometimes, giving yourself permission to pause creates space for people to connect with you in a more authentic way when you return.

A reset button for creativity

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that creativity doesn’t thrive under constant pressure. It needs room to breathe. When we’re endlessly scrolling or pushing ourselves to produce, we eventually run dry.

Stepping away from social media gives your mind a chance to wander, to notice the world around you, and to rediscover inspiration in unexpected places. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “creative,” I promise this applies to you, too. Breaks recharge us, making us sharper and more engaged in whatever we do.

A gift to your body

Let’s be honest: our devices aren’t exactly gentle on us. My thumbs ache after too much scrolling, my posture suffers, and don’t even get me started on what staring at a screen all day does for our eyes and skin.

Taking a break is an opportunity to give your body the rest it deserves. Instead of hunched over a phone, you can stretch, move, or simply let yourself relax. It’s a chance to choose health over habit.

The beauty of boredom

Here’s something I hadn’t thought about in years: boredom can actually be good for you. As kids, boredom was the gateway to imagination. We’d make up games, draw, explore, or get lost in daydreams. But as adults, the second we feel a flicker of downtime, we grab our phones.

When I forced myself not to reach for my screen, I found myself rediscovering things I love but often “don’t have time” for—reading, cooking, playing piano, even just taking long walks. The discomfort of boredom eventually turned into freedom, sparking hobbies and ideas I’d forgotten I enjoyed.

Balance, not goodbye

The important thing to remember is that taking a break from social media doesn’t mean walking away forever. It’s a pause, not a breakup. The apps will still be there when you come back. The feed will still be scrolling. But you’ll return with fresh energy, sharper focus, and a deeper sense of self.

At the end of the day, balance is the goal. Social media is a powerful tool—but only when we’re the ones in control of it, not the other way around.

So the real question is: when was the last time you took a break? And what might you rediscover if you gave yourself permission to unplug—even for just a little while?