Detox

Not too long ago, I did something that felt necessary: I took a break from social media..

As a life coach and someone who uses social media to connect with others, share inspiration, and grow my business, stepping away wasn’t an easy decision. But deep down, I knew I needed it. I was feeling mentally cluttered, emotionally overstimulated, seeking validation, and perhaps most importantly, disconnected from myself. So, I gave myself the permission to pause.

In the reel I shared recently, I talked briefly about this detox. But I wanted to go deeper here in this blog to share my full experience, what I discovered, and how we can all build a healthier relationship with our time, habits, and digital lives.

The first day felt strange. I kept instinctively reaching for my phone, only to realize that I was scrolling through the reels. That automatic reflex was an eye-opener. I hadn’t realized how much of my daily life was built around checking, swiping, and posting.

But after a few days, something shifted. I felt calmer. I had more mental space. I wasn’t comparing myself to anyone. I wasn’t overstimulated by endless content. I felt present.

And the most surprising part? I had so much more time.

We underestimate how much time we spend on social media. A few minutes here and there can easily turn into hours a day. Our scrolling is unconscious. It’s not even intentional; it’s a reflex, a habit formed over time.

However, social media can be both helpful and harmful. It depends entirely on how we use it.

• A way to connect with others and build communities.

• A space to share ideas, learn, and be inspired.

• A platform for creativity, self-expression, and business growth.

But it also has a darker side:

• Constant comparison that affects our self-worth.

• Mental confusion and overstimulation.

• A sneaky way to avoid emotions or responsibilities.

• A major time sink that we often don’t even notice.

Let’s do a little math.

Say you spend just 2 hours a day on Instagram. That’s 14 hours a week. That’s 56 hours a month. That’s 28 full days a year; a whole month! What could you do with that time?

That’s not to make anyone feel guilty—but it is meant to wake us up. Time is our most precious resource. Once it’s gone, we don’t get it back.

Social media use often isn’t a choice; it’s a habit. We reach for it when we’re bored, anxious, tired, or just trying to fill space. But habits can be rewired with awareness.

During my detox, I realized that reaching for Instagram was often a way to seek validation or sometimes to escape from discomfort, restlessness, or just the present moment.

The good news? Once I saw it clearly, I was able to make a different choice.

Social media isn’t going away. And it doesn’t need to. The key is using it intentionally instead of automatically.

• Set time limits.

• Follow people who uplift, inspire, and energize you.

• Mute or unfollow accounts that trigger stress or comparison.

• Take breaks often. A day, a weekend, or even just a few hours can reset your brain.

When I stopped scrolling, I had time to:

• Read books I’d been putting off.

• Do the chore I have been procrastinating.

• Journal and actually hear my thoughts.

• Meditate in the morning.

• Sit in silence.

Imagine what you could create, heal, or explore if you reclaimed even 30 minutes a day.

Free time isn’t something we find—it’s something we make.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or just out of touch with yourself, maybe it’s time to try your own mini-detox.

Start small: one day, one weekend.

Pay attention.

 What do you notice about your habits?

 What comes up in the quiet?

You might be surprised by how much space opens up for creativity, calm, connection, and clarity.

You don’t have to delete social media. But you can choose to use it in a way that serves your peace, not your anxiety.

This experience reminded me that our time and attention are sacred. What we do with our time shapes our lives.

Let’s be mindful. 

Let’s be intentional.

And let’s remember that sometimes, logging off is actually the first step to tuning back in.

THINK ABOUT IT...