The Benefits of Getting Offline (and Social Media) and into Real Life

Travelling and experiencing other cultures has always been a passion of mine. Since my first backpacking trip in South East Asia in my early 20s. From that first taste of travel, I have been hooked.

I have seen 12 countries now- some more than once. In my younger year, this meant often putting my few belongings in storage and leaving for months to a year at a time. And still, there is so much to see and to experience. I don't know if I will be able to see all the places on my bucket list in one lifetime alone.

I am grateful for all these opportunities and experiences. There have been many challenges and difficulties along the way but it has been worth it. Every time I have followed the calling of my soul it has been worth it. In travel and in life. Not always easy. (Often not even a little bit). But worth it.

Some of my favourite moments and memories are of having long stretches with no set plans. Many sunsets on the beach. Time exploring nature. Meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures and places. Nothing quite stretches you past the conditioning of our own culture like travel.

The joy of getting offline and taking a real technology break. It made me realize that it had been far too long, way overdue.

There are many benefits with technology and social media but it also has a darker side. We are bombarded with curated images, photoshopped and filtered lives. Being on the beach, surrounded by the diversity of real bodies of real humans was refreshing. A helpful antidote to the images we see in advertisements and online. That can leave us feeling like we don't measure up. Like we are not enough. When this is the exception and not the reality.

We are force-fed images of success and happiness that just don't equate with markers of contentment in real life. Yes, a certain amount of money helps with happiness. Pretty privilege is real. Yet it is not a linear equation to happiness. Some of the most miserable people I have ever met have had it 'all' when it comes to capitalistic markers of success. Chasing money or image above all else is often a route to misery.

The truth about happiness and life satisfaction is not what it is portrayed to be on social media. Once our basic needs are met it comes down more to genetics and mindset factors. Investing in our mindset. Our ability to appreciate the good we do have. Is one of the best investments we can make in our quality of life.

What we focus on, who we surround ourselves with, how we view challenges, and how present we can be in the moment. These are some of the internal factors that make the biggest impact. I am back refreshed (for the most part). And more aligned with gratitude for what I do have. Those that I love. As much as I love to travel I am grateful to be home and with those I love. It looks different for me in this decade and that is ok. I am where I need to be.

I will continue to be reflecting on my own personal boundaries around time online and social media use in particular. There are aspects I still enjoy. Yet, it can also become a time vortex. A mindless habit. My aim is to be more intentional about where I can continue to be present in real life. In the little moments that matter the most.

I hope this will help to inspire you to be intentional with your time and energy. To savour the simple moments and joys.