Last week was heavy.\u00a0 There was a lot going on,\u00a0 and by Friday, I reached a breaking point.\u00a0 It was all feeling too<\/em> much. I knew I needed a break from the world.\u00a0 I needed to distance myself from social media.\u00a0 So, I broke up with Facebook.\u00a0 AGAIN.<\/p>\n I deactivated my account so I wasn’t tempted to read the comments that only seem to make me feel worse about the situations we’re dealing with.\u00a0 To protect myself and my mental health from hateful words and comments.\u00a0 I’ve deleted Facebook before, when I knew I was spending too much time online or putting too much energy into looking for new notifications, likes and comments.<\/p>\n This time it was for my mental health.\u00a0 Social media is a great way to stay connected and I do love seeing pictures from family and friends, but for right now, I need to catch my breath, and do other things instead.\u00a0 It was a big reality check.\u00a0 You don’t realize how much time you waste online until you stop.<\/p>\n I got so much more done this weekend without my phone in my hand, or thinking about what I’m doing and wanting to share it online.\u00a0 The heaviness I have been carrying on my shoulders was lifted.\u00a0 That tight anxious feeling in my chest was gone.<\/p>\n There was play time with the dog.\u00a0 Lots of cleaning.\u00a0 And I got back to doing something I really love – scrapbooking.\u00a0 I sat in my scrapbook\/ craft room\/ home office this weekend – and just had time to play.\u00a0 And it was so good for my spirit and soul.\u00a0 I went through pictures from Christmas and some other special events.\u00a0 A reminder of all the things that bring me so much joy in my life.<\/p>\n I painted my nails this weekend and coloured my hair to lift my spirits.\u00a0 And when I was buying groceries and the cashier smiled and said “I LOVE your nails!” it made my day.\u00a0 A simple compliment.\u00a0 A friendly smile.<\/p>\n We need to pay attention to the world, but we also need to know when to take a break.\u00a0 We need to be aware but we need to have boundaries and do whatever it takes to protect our mental health.<\/p>\n Do the things that bring you joy.\u00a0 Walk away from social media – even if it’s just for a day.\u00a0 Go for a walk.\u00a0 Take deep breaths.\u00a0 Connect other ways so you aren’t tempted to get caught up in the online negativity and fighting and hate that can so easily be shared.<\/p>\n Keep being kind to others.\u00a0 I am so thankful for those messages of support and encouragement that I get.\u00a0 \u00a0For those random compliments.\u00a0 They lift me up and keep me going.\u00a0 \u00a0Thank you for being a part of that.\u00a0 For being a light in the darkness for me.\u00a0 Greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n As always, reach out if you need anything or just want to say hi.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.briwebapp.net\/2022\/01\/23701299-serenty-695x555.jpg\")
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