You can unplug from social media.

By Danielle Mellema, Chief Ghostwriter, Digital Content Manager

Social media can be a bit of a societal minefield at times. When tensions are running high and there’s plenty of outrage to go around, sometimes we need a break from the constant information, misinformation, opinions, and commentary in order to save our own sanity and focus on what is ours to do.

If social media engagement plays a role in working toward your career goals or is part of your personal branding strategy, you may wonder whether a break of any length of time could slow the forward progress you’ve been making.

No need to worry! You can unplug from the online world for a time and still take steps forward toward your career and leadership goals.

Here’s what you can do with your time away from social media:

Rest and restore.

Reduce the number of “inputs” in your day. Beyond turning down the social media volume, you might consider forgoing podcasts, audiobooks, or music in the in-between moments and opt for some good old-fashioned silence. Take some time to just be. Do whatever fills your cup and inspires you.

Brainstorm and strategize.

Use your social media break to refocus on what your overarching goals are. It can be easy in the hum of online activity and sophisticated analytics to fool ourselves into thinking that likes, comments, and shares are the main point of being on social media. But they aren’t! Get reacquainted with your personal and professional goals and the ways the purpose of your online presence flows from those.

Social media can be a circus in times of uncertainty. You can also use your time away to consider what people might need to hear at such a time, and think of ways you can be a voice of compassion, reason, calm, resilience, or kind curiosity.

Write something longer than a post.

Social media algorithms and engagement tend to favor shorter posts, but perhaps you’ve had some thoughts or ideas percolating that require more space to work through and articulate. Your break from social media could be just the time to pursue that!

A long-form article takes time and work, but getting your wisdom and ideas into a form that is easily shared is an essential part of being a thought leader. You could share the piece on your personal or company website, then post it social media when you return. You could also submit it to an organization that you’re part of to see if it’d be a fit for their blog or member newsletter.

Need a sounding board or help with writing or editing? Let us know!

Focus on sharing face-to-face.

You’ve been finding ways to share your thoughts and expertise with your online connections, but are the people who you live and work with every day getting access to that same wisdom? Take extra time to give a listening ear to the concerns of those on your team or in your family, and speak to the issues they are facing rather than the ones that are top-of-mind for you.

You don’t need social media to make an impact. There are plenty of opportunities right where you are.