A One-Week Break from Social Media (Including LinkedIn)?

I Just Did It Unintentionally, and Here's Why I Don't Regret It.

In today’s hyper-connected world, stepping away from social media seems nearly impossible—especially platforms like LinkedIn, where professional connections are made, ideas are shared, and opportunities are cultivated. However, after unintentionally taking a one-week break from all social media, including LinkedIn, I’ve realized it was a refreshing experience that left me with zero regrets. Here's why.

Mental Clarity and Focus

Social media often creates mental clutter. Between constant notifications, endless scrolling, and comparing yourself to the highlight reels of others, your mind is always processing noise. Taking a week off from that noise created space for real focus and clarity. I found myself able to think more deeply and reflect on my personal and professional goals without distractions.

Without LinkedIn updates or social chatter, my thoughts were entirely my own, and I could channel my energy into meaningful tasks that had been on the back burner. It was liberating to focus without checking for updates every hour. Instead, I flew to the farm, cleared out my vegetable garden and tidied up the outside of the farmhouse for winter.

Deeper Engagement with My Work

LinkedIn can sometimes create a sense of urgency to engage with professional trends, opportunities, and networking all the time. While this is valuable, I found that stepping back allowed me to engage more deeply with the work already on my plate.

Without the subtle pressure to share my accomplishments or network constantly, I dedicated more time to improving my skills and making progress on long-term projects. Instead of multitasking, I embraced single-tasking, which ultimately enhanced my productivity. The time freed up was spent meeting with students and planning a new project that I hope to announce soon.

Reduced Comparison and Impostor Syndrome

LinkedIn is great for showcasing achievements, but it can also lead to comparison and impostor syndrome. Watching others land jobs, get promotions, or publish high-level insights sometimes creates an unconscious pressure to keep up. This week off reminded me that everyone is on their own path, and that I don’t need to be "on" all the time.

Without those daily comparisons, I felt more at peace with my own journey and accomplishments. I had time to think about what I truly wanted out of my career and focus on what really matters to me, without the noise of external success stories influencing my outlook. Taking time away with family became more important to me this past week.

Reclaiming Personal Time

One of the biggest benefits of stepping away was reclaiming my personal time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through updates, I was more present in the moment—whether reading, enjoying hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. I didn’t realize how much time I was devoting to social media until I had a break.

By consciously avoiding social media, I could reset my relationship with my time. I felt more in control of how I spent my days, and that control was empowering. I even spent time at the farm counting bald eagles in the fall sky and planning a tree house.

A Chance to Reconnect Authentically

Interestingly, disconnecting from social media gave me the chance to reconnect with people in more authentic ways. Without the convenience of LinkedIn messaging or posting, I reached out to colleagues, mentors, and friends in more meaningful ways—whether by phone or email—to check in or have a more personal conversation.

This deeper level of interaction reminded me that relationships are built on genuine connection, not just online networking. This shift in focus made the relationships I fostered feel more rewarding. The best part was the belly-aching laughter.

Conclusion: Why I Don't Regret the Break

Taking a week away from LinkedIn and other social platforms was refreshing, and I don’t regret a moment of it. It provided a mental reset, increased my focus, reduced unnecessary comparisons, and reconnected me with the true essence of my work and relationships. Now that I’m back, I plan to use these platforms more mindfully, keeping in mind that sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a step back.

I hope this newsletter gives you permission to seek after what is most important in your life right now.

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