by Brittany McSorley
Social media marketing can be hard work. There are trends to keep track of, content to create, fussy commenters to soothe … the list goes on. Once in a while, small business marketers may need to take some time away from social media to relax. To that end, here are some of my tried-and-true methods for distracting yourself, but still never leaving the internet, because why would you ever do that? Why?
- Customize the background image on your Chrome homepage. Really try to settle into this task so you can give it the attention it deserves. In choosing a new background image, you’ll discover that you’re really choosing yourself. The essence of your entire identity can be found here. Are you a stunning landscape or a confusing abstract? Is your whole vibe encapsulated by a striking photo of the moon or by, like, some stripes? You know? (If Chrome isn’t your browser of choice, please examine your life at once. Do the work. Do the work.)
- Visit the Wikipedia page that lists conspiracy theories. This will kill hours of your life. Figure out what the deal is with UFOs and the circumstances surrounding the death of Roman Emperor Nero. Don’t — I can’t emphasize this enough — don’t take it too far. You know what I’m talking about. Keep your wits about you.
- Watch “Hey Bear” videos on YouTube. Are they sensory experiences designed specifically and exclusively for young children? Yes. Do I care? No. Babies aren’t the only ones who deserve nice things, okay? This is the deepest peace I’ve ever felt.
- Speaking of YouTube, have you watched Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy confessing his love to Elizabeth lately? No?! Buckle up. (Fun fact: Colin Firth was almost Westley in The Princess Bride. Can you imagine?)
- Watch this clip from short-lived talk show Busy Tonight in which Leslie Mann and Brendan Fraser reunite many years after starring together in George of the Jungle. (This clip is the “Hey Bear” of smiling like an idiot because nostalgia is nice.)
- For more nostalgia, visit My Retro TVs and indulge in the experience of watching TV from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
- When all else fails, read Nora Ephron’s New Yorker articles, because she knew. She knew.
I hope these suggestions are helpful, and remember, never disconnect! To log out of Instagram even for an hour is to be left behind! Have fun!
