How To Survive A Social Media Detox

Having been cooped up in the house for the past few months, it wouldn’t be surprising if we all had a bit of a social media addiction going on. Honestly, with how weird and scary our global situation has been it’s completely understandable. I know I’ve been spending more time on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest living vicariously through other people’s memories. 

Now that things are getting back to as “normal” as can be, it’s time to take a good look at this newly born addiction. Is it healthy? Is social media filling your brain more than you’d like it to? Do you find yourself rechecking Instagram constantly knowing that at MOST there could be one new post in your feed? 

Yeah, it’s time for action.

Social media isn’t a bad thing, it’s just like the old saying “everything in moderation.” Time to reel it in and live more mindfully. If you’re struggling hard to make it through one day of limited social media time, here are some tips on surviving:

Find something else to fill your time

Sometimes we use social media to kill time. That killing time can roll over into time where we could have been productive or done something for ourselves, but we spent it scrolling through our feeds. 

While you’re trying to detox from social media, find something else to do with your time! This will keep your mind off of the temptation, and you’ll be doing something for yourself. Here are some ideas if you’re having trouble:

• Read a book
• Find a podcast
• Try a new hobby
• Meditate/Yoga

If you need even more, take a look at my list of 25 things to do when you’re stuck at home!

Have an accountability partner

There’s no better way to do something new than with a friend! This friend will also be someone you can turn to when you’re feeling tempted. This extra safety net for accountability is just what you need to make it through the day without checking your accounts every few seconds.

You could even make it interesting, whoever spent the least amount of time on social media over the course of a week owes the other a drink at the next happy hour. Whatever helps you spread your wings into the real world!

Redesign your lock screen

This is one of my favorite options. The first thing you see when you go to open your phone is your lock screen. SO make your lock screen something that will remind you to NOT obsessively check your accounts. How perfect right? You can make one personal to you super quick on Canva! If you’re not super tech savvy and can’t make a new lock screen for yourself (or maybe just don’t have the time), here is one I made!

Turn off social media notifications

This will be your best line of defense, because not getting notifications will stop you from opening your phone as often. 

The only times you’ll be drawn to open your phone will be to answer a text message or a call from a friend. If you want to go hardcore you can delete your social apps for the duration of the detox, but if you’re too terrified (like I would be) then just mute notifications for a while. 

Go easy on yourself

It’s not going to be instant! There’s no way for you to break this habit you’ve been forming since your first smartphone. If you slip up and find yourself on instagram for longer than you allotted yourself, try to figure out what led you to stay on the app so long. Instead of being down on yourself, make mental notes for next time to help yourself avoid the same situation in the future!

Share this with any of your friends that you’re worried about! Things have been rough, and while social media was a nice distraction it’s time to move past it. Pair up, get your lock screen set and become screen independent. Let me know if you have any other tips for a social media detox in the comments!

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