Why Taking a Break from Social Media Can Be Healthy for Your Body, Mind and Spirit
There’s something deeply restorative about stepping back, even briefly, from the noise of social media.
I recently took a break myself, and it reminded me just how important it is to pause and protect our peace. Social media can be a beautiful place to connect and inspire, but it can also quietly shape our thoughts, time, and emotions in ways we don’t always realize.
Here are 4 ways taking a short- or long-term break from social media can benefit your wellness:
#1 Protecting Your Peace
When you step away from constant scrolling, you give your mind and heart room to breathe. It’s easy to absorb negative thoughts, opinions, or even subtle messages that can make you question your worth and/or purpose. Taking a break helps you guard your peace and become more aware of subconscious comparisons that can quietly take root.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
#2 Reclaiming Time
It’s amazing how much time opens up when we’re not checking or posting throughout the day. Social media can easily steal time from priorities that truly matter — family, prayer, rest, creativity.
Ask yourself: What could I replace this with, even for a week? Sometimes what we call “extra” has quietly become an idol.
#3 Releasing the Need for Approval
This is a big one. We may not always admit it, but likes, comments, and views can shape how we see ourselves. When we take a step back, we can realign our identity with the One who already calls us loved and worthy, without needing digital affirmation.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
#4 Resetting What Shapes Your Thoughts
Algorithms are powerful. What you engage with begins to shape how you think, feel, and see the world. The question is, what are you feeding on? Is it life-giving, or does it leave you anxious, empty, or depleted? Taking a break helps you reset what fills your mental and spiritual space, allowing God’s voice to become clearer again.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2
Action Step
Consider taking a short break, maybe a weekend, a week, or even a month away from social media. Notice what shifts. Do you feel more peaceful? More present? Write down what God reveals to you during that time. Let it be a sacred pause to restore your soul.
From my heart:
This is something I intentionally weave into my rhythm now. Taking social media breaks has become part of my wellness practice for my mind, my faith, and my peace. I encourage you to try it too. Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is simply step away for a while or create healthy boundaries.
Remember, this is not a judgment but an opportunity to get curious surrounding the ways social media may be currently impacting you.
Sending you love and light, always!
Michelle