Indeed, mind-wandering appears to be the human brain’s default mode of operation.

social media users forego pursuit of their own self-esteem, health and validation in favor of what they perceive to be social recognition and acceptance. Yet, they do not ever receive it from a screen, so it spirals into an addictive-like tendency.

While there’s no doubt that social media is not maliciously intended in nature, there is significant doubt that we as humans are able to resist not playing out our deepest issues through them – and as it turns out, it seems to be hurting far more than we realize.

“This study shows that our mental lives are pervaded, to a remarkable degree, by the nonpresent.”

Did you actually accomplish anything by spending half of your day scrolling through Instagram and Facebook and Twitter? Do you feel like you are really living by constantly snapchatting pointless videos? These social media activities have no substance. It benefits your online profile, but not the air you breathe and the world you live in. As stressed earlier, now is now.

When we reach the point of figuring out what about us gets the compliment and attention, we take that and run with it. Whether it’s your Paleo Diet or your cleavage, the result is a page full of you and a big ego.

Will we tell our great grandchildren all of the adventures we had, the wonderful conversations we shared, the beautiful and messy lives we lived; or that 90% of our time was spent with an electronic device interrupting the purity and simplicity of moments?

What’s the best thing about being off social media? The automatic shift in focus from what everyone else is doing to what you want to do. The fading Impostor syndrome, too!

What if you did have the courage to live without being “connected” and still feel that you are a part of something greater? You can.

Yes, you will feel withdrawals; you will experience separation anxiety; you will feel out of place; and you will get over it.

You feel proud and excited of the newly found free time

What will you do with all this extra time on your hands? Oh, the possibilities are endless. 

The lack of drive for actually accomplishing what you want to do is the reason for your lack of time, not the amount of time spent on social media. The truth is that if you are busy living life to the fullest, you will know when it is time to shutdown the computer or the phone and focus on what matters without “disconnecting” yourself for good.

You will be smarter and wiser.

When you log out of social media and log in to real life, you will spend your time wisely on useful things, like books and great websites that actually improve your life and enrich you with knowledge to make you a better person. You can find time and exercise instead of perusing social media and complaining about how you never find the time to hit the gym. That time spent on Facebook could have been used on a great workout. Whilst others are wasting their lives on social media, you will be reading a life-changing book, hitting the gym, being innovative, and making your dreams come true.

Is that what we want – spending considerable time building large networks of shallow connections, potentially at the expense of deepening a few cherished friendships upon which we can truly rely?

Facebook addiction is real and it is dangerous. Not only does it prevent you from living in the present, it can also leave you with crippling anxiety and insecurities. But few people talk about the real danger of social media addictions.

A healthy body helps to ensure that you have a healthy brain. After all, your brain is like another muscle in your body. Exercising regularly keeps your brain and body functioning as they are supposed to. It reduces tension and helps you to sleep better.

Doctors agree that better blood circulation to the brain means increased brain function. Various studies on mice and humans have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells, and thus improve overall brain performance.