should you brb from fb? (Why hsps need a digital detox asap)

I'm only 27 and I remember days before having Internet, a cell phone, Facebook, etc. 

Weird how kids these days don't actually know a time before these things became so ingrained in our culture. 

I've been thinking a lot about social media detoxes and highly sensitive people (the last day in my course focuses on a social media detox even though the course is centered around support in a Facebook group). This might seem strange, but I think it is really important for HSPs to take a step back from the Internet to recharge.

I’ll admit that lately I've been craving some time away from social media, but I haven't really taken a break. Am I addicted? Probably. But I was also thinking about it in terms of my highly sensitive nature. Here are some thoughts that go through my brain that I don’t know if non-HSPs think about...

• If I don't go on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter multiple times a day, what if I miss a friend's post? I won't know about something in their life and they will be upset that I didn't "like" it. (This also goes into FOMO... fear of missing out.) People don't like to announce news in person, they just post on Facebook and are done with it. I don’t want to upset anyone.
• This also goes for events... people rarely call, text or send invitations in the mail anymore. What if I miss out on knowing about an event I'd really like to attend?
• I like seeing inspirational and positive quotes on social media. What if I miss something that could be great for me to read?
• I need to be active constantly on my Find Your Magic accounts to connect with those who might need my support. 

I think social media is amazing but too much is also really bad for people in general, especially HSPs. If you're highly sensitive, how many of these instances has happened to you?

• You see a cruel post or get a rude comment on a social media site and it bothers you for DAYS. 
• You see something violent or upsetting and it makes you physically upset or gives you uncomfortable physical feelings. 
• You're frequently bothered by the drama, the news postings or other posts. 
• You get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of posts and information and start to feel anxiety as you are scrolling and scrolling... 
• You start to get anxious or overwhelmed by the notifications and noise coming from your phone or computer. 

So what do you do if you agree with all of the above?

• Sign up for my course! ;-) You'll get more information and journaling prompts on this topic and support from me. 
• Take frequent breaks - if you're worried about people missing you online, let your friends and family know that you're taking a break. 
• Take stock of your accounts. Which ones do you really use? Can you delete a few apps? I recently went through and unfollowed people and in general cleaned up my social media accounts and my email. It feels so good!

What do you think? Are you highly sensitive? Do you ever take a social media detox? Are you one of those mysterious people who doesn't even have a Facebook? Would you like to see me offer a mini-course on digital detox? Let's chat!

If you're still wayyyy into social media, connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I post a lot of inspirational and positive content, especially content geared towards HSP. (But yes, I do take breaks... I took a few days off around the holidays from posting and it felt great to return recharged!) 

Why Highly Sensitive People Need a Digital Detox ASAP