Last updated on March 28th, 2025 at 02:36 pm
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It’s no secret that social media has become a part of our lives in some capacity. But sometimes, we need a break. That’s where this easy guide to help you detox from social media comes in.
Did you know that people can spend an entire day a week online?
If that made you curious about a social media but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry because I’ve simplified it into 5 easy steps to help you get started.
Ready to get into it, let’s dive in.
How social media negatively impacts mental health
Social media has become such a dominant piece in many people’s lives. A study found that people can be tapping and swiping away at least 2617 times a day!
So it’s important to understand what a detox from social media means and to look at its potential impact.
While some may say that social media is great for keeping in touch with loved ones, it can have its downfalls.
What does it mean to “detox from social media”?
A detox from social means taking a break from being or scrolling on social media.
To add more flavor, I would also add that it’s a way to take time off from the perfectly curated images we see for the sake of mental health and self-esteem.
So, it can be said that a detox may be needed because of the constant negative impacts we encounter by being chronically online.
The negative impact of social media on your mental health
Here are some of the mental health impacts of social media overload and addiction.
1. Social media overload
It’s weird to think that social media initially started to connect with people. But as it evolved gradually, we now see some of the unfortunate negative effects of it.
What started as a medium of communication and expression, quickly turned into a rat race of comparison.
Remember how challenging it used to be to find information about someone, famous or not? One may argue that social media is good because it makes that process all easier.
However, what happens when that balance shifts?
Although finding out about people’s lives may seem simpler, lines can be crossed when constantly looking at what everybody else is doing.
Oftentimes, you may find that you become overly concerned with so much information, that may be too much and unnecessary for you to handle.
With that being said, the room to “mind your business” becomes minimized.
2. Social media often leads to comparison
The perfectly curated Instagram Reel you may see may turn into a means to compare your life to what you see.
Ultimately, the comparison may fuel extremely negative feelings towards yourself. Sometimes it may be so bad that some may even resort to people hating themselves and their lives.
Those negative feelings are damaging to your mental health, self-esteem, and overall confidence.
Therefore, a social media detox serves as a reminder to step away from so-called perfection and shift away from the possible obsession that could come from comparing yourself to others.
This point hit home for me because I realized that there is no such thing as a perfect life. We all have different journeys and comparing myself only hindered me instead of inspiring me.
3. A social media detox can be an eye-opener
As mentioned above, social gives people the opportunity to create a perfect image.
Furthermore, this may give you a wonderful chance to see what’s happening in someone’s life, well at least the parts they want you to see.
Unfortunately, this can be a double-edged sword because of its advantages and disadvantages.
With this level of information available, many of us may not help but feel how much of this curation of perfect lives, takes a s toll on our self-esteem.
I know how that feels. However, I have learned that comparing my normal life to unattainable perfection is a disaster for my self-esteem and confidence.
So having a balanced relationship with social media, whether it’s eliminating it or developing a healthy relationship with it, is key.
4. A break from social media can encourage a healthy balance with our devices
Our phones, once primarily for communication, have now become an essential component in life. Think of how you may use your phone. From using it to talk to your loved ones, to attending an important meeting for work or school, to ordering food.
Sometimes, it may feel like these devices have taken over our lives and the funny thing is that to some degree, they kind of have.
Smartphones have become essential in our daily lives. So, how much more can social media impact our lives?
With enough exposure, social media has the potential to distort your reality.
After all, there wouldn’t be a need for a social media detox if only good things came out from being active there.
As many of us may have seen, heard, or experienced; social media can have an ugly side too.
5. If left unchecked, social media can wreak havoc on your mental health
Social media can also serve as a medium of endless information, which when too much, can do more harm than good to my mental health.
Because hey, smartphones have become as numerous as grains of sand on a beach, right?
Although yes, it has its advantages, without discernment, can be quickly distorted. This is because too much information can be too much for our minds.
As earlier mentioned, too much social media breeds negativity in many facets of life, taking a negative toll on mental health.
But get this, a study found that going on a break from social media can alleviate the pressure of “missing out” and reduce the compulsive need to constantly check social media.
A detox from social media serves as a reminder that we have lives beyond social media.
🌼You might also like: Mastering Deep Breathing for Stress Relief in 6 Simple Steps
5 steps to detox from social media and reclaim your peace
If you’re ready to take a break and begin your digital detox, you’re in the right place.
Here is a simple guide to helping you take a break from social media so you can find time to enjoy and appreciate the goodness of God in your life.
1. Set a time limit away from social media
Decide how much time you are willing to dedicate to reduce screen time. It’s important to start setting reasonable targets instead of bombarding yourself with unreasonable goals.
So, for example, you could decide on that 30-day social media challenge by dedicating 10 minutes a day to not being active on social media.
Bear in mind that like any new habit, it will be hard in the beginning. So be prepared to deal with a lot of FOMO.
However, remember that you are doing this for your mental health, self-esteem, and peace of mind.
2. Turn off social media notifications
Notifications can be like a fishing rod dragging you back to those seas of social media scrolling.
So, to limit the temptation, consider cutting off social media notifications by muting them.
Because with that, there will be fewer buzz sounds and chirps to drag you back into endless scrolling.
3. Put your phone away
Select a new spot to store your phone away.
Wherever that may be, make sure it’s out of your sight so you don’t become tempted to whip it out again.
Don’t forget to stick to the time frame you have set. If you feel like it could be difficult, ask someone close to you to keep your phone.
4. Take time to notice more important things
Now that the blinds of social media have been put away, it’s time to put the spotlight on the truly important things in life that need your time and attention.
So, for instance, you could take time to spend time with your loved ones. Or you could use this time to do some self-introspection because maybe social media has changed and warped your feeling of self-confidence.
Whatever that may look like for you, take this as the perfect time to tune back to the good of your reality.
5. Grow and learn new things
Taking time away from social media can give you time to attend to more valuable things. For example, you could do some reading, journal, play a new sport, or learn that new skill.
Furthermore, using resources like the Digital Decluttering Workbook can help you develop new minimalistic ways to escape the digital trap. Find something valuable to do.
A bonus tip I could give you is to consider growing in your relationship with God by spending quality time with Him.
Conclusion
A good detox from social media is essential when it comes to our mental health. With this guide, I hope you find peace in embracing clarity, productivity, and gratitude in your life.
So, how has a break from social media helped you? Share with me in the comments below to encourage others.
Remember that this isn’t about eliminating social media but striking a balance.
Also, get your free downloadable checklist below so you can craft your social media detox plans!
If you found this post helpful, please share it on social. Until next time, please take care!