The Digital Age — AKA, We Are Drowning in Information

When I think about quiet time and self-care, the last thing on my mind is logging onto social media to nurture my spirit or reconnect with myself. While there are plenty of helpful and positive communities online (many of which have benefited me), sometimes it's more than okay to fall off the grid for a while.

We’re inundated with a constant stream of content: opinions, hot takes, celebrity news, influencer updates, travel vlogs, gadgets, aesthetics, and endless highlights. It’s a lot.

Sometimes, it’s too much.

The Scroll That Never Ends

We scroll so much it can feel like our phones are attached to us—like an extra limb. I’ve caught myself doom scrolling on popular social apps and had to will myself to break away. The nonstop stimulation, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, can make it nearly impossible to quiet the mind.

Like millions of others, I’ve found myself addicted to my phone. I get flustered when I misplace it—and weirdly relieved when I find it. That alone says a lot.

It’s Okay to Take a Digital Break

Let’s be real: social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We love posting our highlights and seeing glimpses of other people’s lives. But those glimpses? They're just that—snapshots. Social media only offers a fraction of the full picture.

Recently, I took a break from the noise. I haven’t posted—or scrolled much—in almost a year. And honestly? It’s been peaceful.

Now, I spend that time walking nature trails, soaking up real vitamin D from the sun (not just from my multivitamins), and reconnecting with the planet. I take binoculars with me to watch robins and cardinals flit from branch to branch, or to see squirrels leap through the trees. I live in a place where nature is abundant—I regularly see deer in my backyard and wake to birdsong or the soft croak of a frog in the distance.

We miss these things when our heads are buried in screens.

I’ve also gotten into the habit of turning my phone face-down when spending time with friends—and resisting the urge to check it constantly. Giving someone your undivided attention is one of the most meaningful ways to deepen connection.

Go outside and touch grass. What a concept.

Nostalgia & Longing for Simpler Times

Okay, I might be aging myself here—but I grew up in the Myspace era. A time when social media felt creative. You could decorate your profile, add music, and customize everything.

Before all that, though? I was outside.

The neighborhood kids and I would race up and down the street, play double dutch and hopscotch, climb trees, and stay out until the streetlights came on. My favorite memories include visiting the “candy lady”—a neighbor who sold warheads, sour straws, jolly ranchers, nachos, and pickles from her house. Life was simple and sweet.

Now? A lot of kids don’t even play outside. My 9-year-old nephew would rather be on his tablet than ride his bike. And when the tablet’s battery dies—or time limits kick in—he spirals into a full tantrum. It's wild to see how different things are.

Moving Forward: Finding Balance in a Tech-Driven World

Don’t get me wrong—I like social media. It has its perks and its purpose. But I also think we can all benefit from more balance.

Take time for your hobbies, your friends, your family—even your dog would love more of your attention.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?

• Want to learn a new language? Download that Pimsleur app.

• Been meaning to get back into art? Grab your sketchbook and start drawing.

• Always wanted to run a 5K? Lace up and start training!

Social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube—they're not going anywhere. (In fact, there's probably a new one being developed as we speak.)

But you can take a break. You can log off. You can be present.

Check in with yourself.
Check in with others.
And step away from the digital noise when you need to.

Go outside. Breathe. Hug a tree.