Ever tried to swipe left on social media with little success? Look no further. Let me show you how to do a social media detox to unplug and reconnect with the world!
A social media detox is basically going offline. It’s a break from social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to recenter yourself.
How often do you catch yourself doom-scrolling each day? It’s alarming when you realize how frequently you unconsciously reach for your phone.
So, why should you consider a social media detox?
- Improved mental health
- Increased self-esteem
- Enhanced productivity
- Strengthened relationships
- Improved sleep quality
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to how to do a social media detox! The last one is my favorite, semi-new trend!
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Social Media Detox: Prep Phase
First of all, how do you want to structure your detox?
- Do you want to do a full 30-day challenge?
- Do you want to create a habit of being ‘social media free’ once a week?
- Or do you simply want to lower your on-screen hours?
Inform friends and family (so they know why you disappeared from the face of the earth) and set a start date for your detox journey.
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Social Media Detox: Unplug Phase
1. Delete the apps
It might sound drastic, however, this is the most effective method when you’re doing a detox. Temporarily deleting your social media apps ensures they won’t be there to distract or tempt you.
2. Shuffle the apps
Muscle memory is real, and my thumbs know exactly where my apps are on my home screen. Rearrange your app icons around so you have to think where to find them. This way you’ll catch yourself before clicking unconsciously.
3. Set app limits
Setting app time limits can help balance screen time and real-world activities, making it a great tip for those not ready for a full detox yet.
4. Install an app
There are so many apps that can assist with social media detoxing:
- Forest: Focus for Productivity – Forest is great for a digital detox (not to mention, it’s cute and satisfying). It helps you stay focused by planting virtual trees as long as you stay off your phone. The longer you stay focused, the more your virtual forest grows.
- Opal: Screen Time for Focus – The amount of features this app has, is astonishing! It includes focus reports, app blocking, custom calendars, and more. I am very impressed. *install*
- Freedom: Screen Time Control – Here you can block distracting apps and websites so you can focus and be more productive. It also syncs with devices such as Windows, Mac, Chrome, etc as a bonus!
5. Turn off notifications
6. Give your phone a snooze and rise time
Cut social media from your evening and morning routine. Not only will it boost you mentally but it will secure a good night’s sleep. But I will admit, when I get into bed it’s YouTube season. Which brings me to the next point…
7.Replace social media with a hobby
You’ve probably heard this countless times: The best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a new healthy habit.
- Read a book instead of scrolling in your bed
- Learn a new skill online instead of mindlessly scrolling
- Start a garden
- Build puzzles with the family
The list goes on and… You can find 41 hobby ideas for women here if you need more inspo ♥.
8. Jump on the basic phone trend
I have no idea if this is still going but I loved the idea when I first heard of it! People are reverting to 90’s flip phones. The nostalgia… I am on the cusp of Gen Z and Millennials, however, I grew up in an extreme millennial manner. So playing snakes and having BBM was part of my upbringing.
Keep a ‘dumphone’ as a spare whenever you want to do a social media detox. That way you cannot go on any social media platform. Honestly, this is by far the BEST method I’ve mentioned on how to do a social media detox.
Social Media Detox: Reflective Rendezvous
The last phase is to reflect on the entire experience.
Grab a journal and write how the journey made you feel. Document your mood and productivity during this time. This might seem like an unnecessary step, however, it comes in clutch.
It will inspire and motivate you to make a social media detox part of your normal routine.
Conclusion
So, ready to hit pause on the brain rot? Follow this guide on how to do a social media detox today!
Take control and live a well-balanced life, regain your focus, and boost your productivity. Whether you are jumping on the basic phone trend or simply reducing your social screen time, this guide is perfect.
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Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
