Five Reasons Why Everyone Should Take A 40 Day Social Networking Break
Two months ago I began thinking about taking a forty-day break from social networking. Forty-one days ago, I started my break. Now, after my much-needed break, I’m back on Twitter, Facebook, and blogging.
You might be thinking, “Dude, it’s not that big of a deal. I just keep up with my friends this way.” I’m not saying there is anything wrong with social networking. Blogging, micro-blogging (Twitter & Facebook updates), and perusing social networking sites are amoral. However, I began looking at my goals for the remainder of the Summer, analyzing my time usage and realized I needed to take a break.
I find it interesting that 71% of companies with an IT department block social networking sites because people waste their time during the work day (1). The reason why companies block it is because it can become a waste of time if not harnessed properly. So, hopefully you’re not stealing company time when you should be working right now.
All that being said, here is my Top Five List of “Why Everyone Should Take A 40 Day Social Networking Break”
5. It helps you realize you’re really not as busy as you think you are.
I can’t stand it when I talk to people who constantly complain about how they are “too busy” or “jam-packed” or “have too much to do.” This just tells me you either don’t know how to say “no,” or you are poor at managing your time. The key word here is constantly. Everyone has a busy week or month (I told someone yesterday via txt message that I was too busy as I was preparing for the African mission trip I leave for tomorrow, but I’ll get to their request today.), but let’s be honest…if you have time to crack jokes on Twitter or Facebook, then you’re not too busy; you’re just poorly allocating your time.
Sometimes saying we’re “uber busy” gives us a feeling of importance, so it is a psychological statement. Taking a forty day break from social networking frees up some time and helps you realize that you’re not too busy; you just need to re-allocate your time.
4. It helps you to re-focus your energies.
Do you ever lose focus? Does your path on life ever seem a bit blurry? Sometimes you have so many projects you keep saying you’ll get around to that you lose your focus on them, and they never get finished.
My need to re-focus my energies specifically pertained to my dissertation. I completed the coursework for my doctorate back in January of this year, but was not extremely disciplined from January through June when it came to writing. Sure, our church began a $120,000 remodeling project that took a lot of my time, on top of my other responsibilities at the church, but I still could have accomplished more than I did accomplish. I knew I needed to re-focus my energies on my dissertation. As a result, I finished my first draft, and am just a few edits away from submitting the final copy of my dissertation, giving my oral defense, and becoming “Dr. Jeremy.” Yes, my energies were re-focused, and it was a great help.
3. It helps you to actually call people or visit them instead of just Facebook or Twitter messaging them.
The telephone is becoming a thing of the past, and that is sad. Hearing someone’s voice is encouraging. Over the last forty days, I’ve called my friends more than I did before, and it was great talking with them. We can have a tendency to overrate the ability to communicate digitally, and ignore telephonic communication.
2. It helps you to get your tail away from the computer.
Over the last forty days, I’ve lost 12.5 pounds. I could attribute this to the re-focusing of energies point, but I also attribute this to getting my tail away from my MacBook and iPhone, and getting to the gym. My stomach is thankful for the social networking break. :~)
1. It helps you to remember that God wants your time first, then your family.
If you have not read God’s Word today, but you are piddling on the computer, you have your priorities out of whack. I don’t say this in a legalistic sense, but how you spend your time shows your priorities. I need my time with Jesus if I’m going to face this carnal world on a daily basis. Also, I need Charity to know that I love her and am here for her. If God or my wife feel like I care more about the computer screen than them, then I’ve messed up.
Overall, I’m glad I took a social networking break, and I encourage you to do the same thing at some time this year.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
(1) http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=21448
