Ashley Tisdale "takes regular breaks" from social media because life online "really wears out" her brain.

The 40-year-old actress - who recently penned an essay for The Cut about cutting ties with her "toxic" mom group friends last year - has opened up about her relationship with platforms such as Instagram admitting she needs to step away regularly so she can enjoy her life offline.

In a blog post, she explained: "I love social media in a lot of ways. It can be inspiring, funny, and a great way to stay connected.

"But I don't think it's where we're meant to live our lives, which is why I take regular breaks. Every time I step away, I'm reminded how different it feels to be fully present--to not be half in a moment while also thinking: 'Wait, did I already post today?'"

She went on to add: "When I'm off social media, I'm more with my friends, more with my kids, more in the moment. Unsurprisingly, those moments are better when I'm not holding my phone at arm's length trying to look casual."

Ashley went on to insist constantly scrolling through posts on social media platforms can be exhausting so she tries to keep up with current events through other mediums.

She wrote: "What really wears out my brain, though, is the sheer volume of information. You can open your phone without thinking and suddenly be absorbing outrage and fear, usually without looking for it ...

"The first time I took a social media break, I got the gift of perspective. I could still care and stay informed - but on my own terms.

"(For instance, I stay up on current events by reading or watching the news, not through TikTok.) Obviously social media can be fun and useful, but it doesn't need to be the place where our lives happen.

"One minute you're thumbing through Grammys red carpet photos, the next you're ten videos deep into something you didn't ask to see, wondering how you even got there."

Ashley concluded her post by urging her followers to try taking a break from social media just to see what happens.

She added; "So if you've ever wondered what it would be like to take a social media break, I highly recommend finding out."