Social media is very much a part of our modern life and there’s no denying that it’s helped us connect with our friends and loved ones no matter how far they are and made world a smaller place.
Though we all are pretty aware of the downside too, the comparison loop, the addictiveness of it and the rabbit hole that social media is.
Taking short or longer fasting breaks from digital world, time to time surely has helped ‘me and many of my clients’ immensely.
For last 5 years I’ve been doing long social media fasts at least 10–15 days twice a year, this time it was straight 40 days.
Every time I come back recharged, rejuvenated, my relationships are deeply nourished and so is my soul. I am full of creative ideas to write blogs, posts, videos and new ideas about my business.
Why you wonder?
Because we all are humans and no one is immune (I surely am not) to the impact of crazy excessive stimulation and overload of information from net and social media.
In the absence of any external information overload on my system, I get an opportunity to connect even deeply with myself than I normally do, and with my loved ones (close family and friends) too.
I feel so fulfilled that many times I don’t even want to come back (true feelings).
Though at the same time I miss connecting with my online friends and fellow coaches, who inspire me, so I look forward to connecting with them when I return to the virtual world where we see only what others want us to see 🙂
This time, I went on the break only because my daughter was leaving for college and I just wanted to spend more time with her, shopping for her and all preparations for her college and I had no time for social media with this along with a busy work schedule.
After 3 weeks of break, I noticed something interesting — a ‘not so subtle’ kind of FREEDOM.
So much was happening in my world… traveling, partying, meeting family and friends, and I didn’t feel any need to click pictures and share on social media. So I thought of extending it till I feel like coming back and ended up in 40 days complete fasting.
The Break was truly liberating. Filled with insights.
I realised how unknowingly I was looking for some sort of validation every time I posted stories and other stuff going on in my life.
Of course, we do share our life, our moments of joy just to share with friends. But ironically, the truth is the thought of posting an enjoyable moment on social media instantly takes us out of the joy of the present moment’s experience.
Have you been thinking about a social media detox yourself and wonder how to do it?
Or you’re feeling intrigued or curious about giving it a try though not sure, Here’s my short guide for social media fasting and converting all FOMO (fear of missing out) into JOMO (joy of missing out).
You just need to Decide and Commit to it.
1. First thing first — DECLARE!!
I declare my breaks on social media. It’s not only for the purpose of letting my friends and followers know that I am on a break and will not be visiting social media for a certain period of time, in case they try to reach me there. It also keeps me accountable and helps me stick to my decision of taking a complete break, in times of temptations.
Note: If You are a Blogger, social media influencer, or have an active professional page — It’s good to have some posts up while you’re gone, You can schedule few posts (new or old) in advance or ask your assistant / social media manager to post on your behalf at regular intervals.
2. Important Step — DELETE 🙂
As soon as I declare my break, I DELETE all my Social media apps from my phone.
Interestingly, facebook doesn’t let you delete the App, but you can disable it. Don’t worry, you can reinstall others and Re-enable Facebook whenever you like.
Again, this helps you stick to your promise to yourself.
3. Self-Reflection and Care.
I ponder about making the most out of the time I’ll save while being on this break from Social media and reflect on my top most priority,
Usually I save up to 90–100 minutes every day, that I Invest on things like:
Self-care.
Reading and writing.
Listening to music, dancing.
Spending more time with my family.
Catching up with old friends and clients.
Extra home-care.
Doing Nothing.
This time I could manage to do almost all of them actually.
The more you focus on what truly matters in your life, that brings you alive and makes your heart sing… the more your “Fear of Missing Out” shifts to “Joy of Missing Out”.
Read here about the way this break enhanced my personal life and boosted Business Growth:
https://salonisingh.com/can-social-media-break-accelerate-your-business-growth/
4. Manage temptations!
Disconnecting from social media is all about connecting with what matters, more. So that’s your way of avoiding urges and temptations.
First few days, it feels weird. I remember I used to pick up my phone a few times wondering what others are doing, just to realise what to do with the phone, there was no App — No FB, No Instagram or Linkedin, to scroll through… 🙂
Sometimes I used to think who I can call, and connected with people I’d not talked for long.
Then slowly it starts to sink in. You don’t feel the need to see what others are doing, no need to think what you can post, no checking on the likes and comments etc…
As you are more and more empty in your mind, more and more relaxed and present. you become
5. When you come Back — Maintain the discipline.
Here’s the most important thing. When you come back finally — Remember to continue connecting with yourself and others the same way you did on the break.
Stay mindful and keep the digital usage minimal.
Stay away from comparison, overwhelm and overload of information.
Use an App Block to minimise your phone use, if needed.
Regularly connect with your loved ones and meet often, at least 1:1 (as much as you can in current circumstances)
Do not ignore self-care on all levels –
Physical — Exercise and nutrition
Mental — Fun and recreation time
Spiritual — Meditation and stillness practice
I wish your social media break brings you some extraordinary insights and help you get closer to who you are and what truly matters to you.
If you have any more questions or want to know more about #socialmediadetox, feel free to connect with me at coach@salonisingh.com for a chat.
Much love n sunshine,
Saloni