Social Media and technology have become so prevalent that it’s hard to remember a time when it didn’t exist. Scrolling, liking, posting, and sharing are things that happen almost subconsciously when you’re bored or have downtime. Technology and Social Media can be great tools. However, there are certain times when it’s not in your best interests to post constantly. Here are a few occasions when it is better to unplug from technology and focus your attention elsewhere.

When You Go on Vacation

Vacation pictures are almost a rite of passage on social media apps like Instagram. There’s an amount of escapism that you feel when scrolling through your feed and seeing someone’s beautifully composed shot of their tropical getaway. However, when it comes time for your vacation, take a few pics to look back on and save them for later. Posting pictures while you’re away is a great way to let burglars know that your home is unattended and available for them to take what they want without interruption. Additionally, you’ve likely paid a lot of money and sacrificed your PTO to take this trip. Start experiencing it through your eyes instead of the screen of your phone, and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

When You’re Dealing With Personal Family Problems

Social media can be a great place to vent your frustrations, but that doesn’t mean you should amp up your activity when going through a breakup. There are many bad social media habits to avoid during your divorce. Bashing your ex, airing issues with custody disputes, or even revealing extramarital affairs should all be off-limits. Although it may feel good in the moment to let it all out, you might soon be embarrassed that you’ve shared too much, and it will be too late to take it back.

When It Becomes Overwhelming

For all its positive attributes, sometimes social media can make your mental health take a nosedive. Seeing other people’s promotions, engagements, vacations, or new babies can make you feel like you’ve fallen behind the curve. It’s okay to step away and take a break if you find yourself excessively scrolling and comparing yourself to others. There’s no rule that says you have to be on Instagram every day, so try a social media break for a week or so and see if you start to feel better about yourself.

Although technology is a great way to keep in touch with those you love, there are times when it’s best to step away for a bit. Keep these tips in mind when using it to stay healthy and safe.

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