“Leave me alone!” - The latest social media diet.

As I woke up this morning, before even saying good morning to my loved ones or embracing my kettle for the all important first cuppa of the day, I found my self in my usual morning ritual of reaching for my phone to scroll my social media. Instead of an Adonis like husband next to me, my iPad lay on my pillow and I thought to myself…... maybe my good friend Wayne was right. Are we all social media obsessed? Well I think many of you will agree on the answer to that but the next question is……is it healthy?

A recent trend has seen celebrities and public figures such as Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber and Leslie Jones take a stand in resisting the compelling urge to glue their eyes to the social media platforms that are so integral to their following and going ahead with what is called a “social media cleanse.” This is a period where social media is basically banned, accounts deleted or even just locking your gadgets in a cupboard and in a sense getting back in touch with the world. Famously Kim Kardashian said goodbye to her accounts after being robbed in Paris

There's a lot to be said for the new cleansing method as people are praising it all over the world and then ironically returning to social media to talk about it. Studies have shown that social media whilst it doesn't fundamentally cause metal health or self esteem issues, can certainly lead to them. It has been said that people with underlying issues are at risk of falling deeper into depression, self harming, low self-esteem, and obsessive tendencies. In April 2016 Felix Alexander, just 17 years old took his own life after being heavily bullied on social media and it’s rather chilling that this is not uncommon. Cyber bullying affects 35% of 11-17 year olds.

The internet has been flooded with reports of people’s testimonies stating “I didn’t miss it all” and “Will definitely do this again.” As I research the topic more I feel I owe it to myself to at least try. I must admit the prospect of spending this weekend without my smartphone, laptop and Ipad within reach does make me a little anxious which in itself makes me question again….. "Am I obsessed?”

Let me be bold enough to challenge you to put down your social media for a few hours and feel just little bit connected to mother Earth again, go for a walk, watch the clouds, maybe even write a physical letter to your Nan! Go for it!