What does it actually mean to take a break from social media? I hit a digital wall that forced me to take a much-needed break away from Facebook, and get some answers.

Last fall I felt a social media burnout coming on. I would go on Facebook and look up 20 minutes later with no real idea of what I was doing there. I felt overwhelmed by online “news” and sensed myself falling in a rut with my work, which was a little scary. I needed to shake things up, so I took a month off.

Making the break was not simple. I spend my days surrounded by and immersed social media, primarily Facebook. In 2009 I wrote my Master’s thesis on the implications of social media in the workplace, and I work as a social media strategist with a wide range of companies and organizations. I still had to work, but I also knew the timing was not going to get any better.

Since the holidays were coming I knew I could dial back my online time without raising too many eyebrows, and I have a separate account I use for business purposes, so I committed to not checking or updating my personal Facebook account for the month of December.

It was easier–and harder–to cut back then I realized. But it was such a valuable exercise I hope my tips and experience can help anyone else who needs to step back from the relentless Facebook cycle.

Be realistic.

I only gave up Facebook for a month, and even that was with some caveats. I lead weekly runs in San Francisco that are arranged via a Facebook Group, so I went on–briefly-–to make sure those were taken care of. I set a timer, addressed the business at hand, and logged out. I did not do anything during those times unrelated to the runs.

I also didn’t even try (or want to) give up all social networks. I’m planning my daughter’s first birthday and I spent a ton of time on Pinterest, tweeted as usual and even Instagram-ed. The goal was not to cut myself off completely, but rather to gain some perspective through separation.

Trust your network.

FOMO can be a mofo, but I quickly learned that if news appeared on Facebook that I really needed to know about, it would get to me in other ways. For example my brother had a scary flight experience on a trip to New York that he posted about on Facebook upon landing. My sister called to let me know what happened but that he was okay. I realized the important stuff would get to me no matter what, and the noise that comes with FOMO would stay filtered out.

Make it hard.

I deleted the Facebook apps from my phone, and turned off notifications. Facebook was often my default website when I was sitting staring at my computer, so I found other sides to replace that (and spent much less time at my computer as a result)! I also got a lot of writing done and moved other projects forward in tangible ways.

I also let a few friends know that I would be taking a break, so no one would freak out over my lack of updates. My husband jokingly asked if I was going to rush onto Facebook at 12:01 on January 1. It was actually January 2 before I returned, and since then I feel much more aware of my Facebook consumption.

I’ve gone on regularly, but I don’t feel sucked into a bottomless vortex of status updates. I see what’s happening, join in and then and step away refreshed, which is just what I was seeking. I’m looking forward to making this break a part of my annual rituals.

By Lesly Simmons

Lesly Simmons is a writer and social strategist in San Francisco. She runs Digital District, a social and design consultancy, and blogs about stroller-friendly restaurants and activities at Mama’s Guide. Follow her on Twitter @leslysimmons.

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