The social media sabbatical

She joined Facebook about a decade ago when she was in college Mumbaibased vocalist and musician Vasundhara hasnt known a life without it That is until February this year when she took the decision to remove the app from her phone and went on a sabbatical for six months after she realised the shocking amount of time she was spending browsingI didnt realise how it had become a part of my life subconsciously over the years I wasnt doing anything off social media mdash there wasnt a single moment where I wasnt scrolling or posting something And for Facebook to become an autonomous function is scary That day overrode any FOMO about quitting she tells us when we drop by her cosy Madh Island residence She quickly adds I dont have an issue with social media itself its just how I was behavingThough she felt a vacuum for a day the feeling didnt last too long as she quickly filled up her time with things that were more real to her besides more work mdash she started a full time job as the visiting faculty member for the Bachelor of Performing Arts programme at NMIMSWelcome to the real worldAnd like what most of us who use social media for professional and personal interaction fear being offline didnt hinder Vasundharas work or networking because she ended up meeting people instead thus making real conversations and connections I didnt have instant access which might have you think youll miss out on information but you can easily make a call she tells us But having this dual function of social media also means that you cant stay away forever Which is where the problem actually beginsComing back after six months was the hardest part as all the old instincts kick back and you just want to be connected the whole time she says She lifted the selfimposed ban around 10 days ago Her plan is to spend 20 minutes on Instagram and Facebook each on every alternate dayWork rewardsLogging in after six months can be a challenge especially when youve achieved more than you could have imagined in all the time that has freed up as you arent staring at your phone for hours I had such huge rewards from my time off that Im scared to mess it up I could do three to four projects in the same time when one was too much to handle before says the singerWith enoshyugh time for research she did an indepth study which she was introduced to by her teacher post which she read up about using the body to optimise the voice which has now doubled her range The method is about undoing stresses and working with the innate ability of the body I could achieve a lot more vocally because I wasnt struggling with my body anymore she explainsShe also managed to record a new single with music producer Dhruv Ghanekar which will release in February Another release told you it was fruitful slated for early next year is a book meant for musicians who are starting out but dont know howQuality lifeWork aside there are important mental health benefits she hopes to sustain through her sporadic online appearance The quality of your interactions change because on social media you carry certain superficial information about everyone Once you go offline the feeling that people have where they are hyperconnected but feel alienated and alone reverses We have forgotten we are wired to look at a person get nonverbal cues and hear their voices she sharesIts also quite destressing she says admitting that her stress levels decreased substantially which also means less anxiety If you just defocus or relax your eyes you can hear so much better which is crucial for a musician When our eyes are in this tight focus we are in a vigilant mode and that itself causes stress Only something that jumps at you from the environment will distract you so you are also less present And any mental health healing modality says that you have to ground yourself in the present she tells usCitybased mental health expert and psychologist Dr Prakriti Poddar adds Excessive indulgence in social media promotes a behaviour of duo reality because who you really are is not seen on social media as you present the best side of yourself So you start relating to your social media self more which increases your anxiety when you actually have to speak to people in person and be with yourselfAdd to that the sheer relief of feeling connected in an age when likes have replaced hugs This detox has also helped bring positive changes in her physical health improvingher digestive system Vasundhara sharesCase studyDr Prakriti Poddar says while some start out with a strong resolve many falter during social media detox A Mumbai woman recently struggled to reach the 21day initial target of staying away from social media which is crucial Thats the minimum amount of time needed for a new synapsis to start forming Dr Poddar explains It worked the second time when she found a hobby that had a constructive outcomeTips for detoxYou need a strategy to reenter the online realm And so Vasundhara sets a timer on her phone She also plans to switch from the app to her laptopYou need to streamline what you want to be seen as on social media especially if you use it for personal and professional activities Or else you will end up on social media for one or another reason and be back full swing without realising itAvoid the urge to keep checking the number of likes or comments or who is trolling after you postDr Poddar warns Digital detox before you sleep is crucial as the blue light emitted from screens makes your mind restless and causes hormonal disturbance Vasundhara too stops looking at all screens two hours before she goes to sleep not even in night mode colour setting The quality of sleep improves you dont have acid reflux at night you get deep sleep and wake up without any water retention on your face she sharesCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday 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