Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Finding my time and self again! Social Media Detox

 Hello World!! I deleted all social media from my phone, and I have to say—it’s been a game-changer. Like so many people, I’ve spent countless hours mindlessly scrolling, falling into the trap of FOMO (fear of missing out), and letting my time slip away. Looking back, I’m honestly amazed at how much of my life I wasted watching endless videos and reading memes, when I could have been doing something far more meaningful.

Since removing social media from my phone—and completely deleting certain toxic platforms like Facebook and Instagram—I’ve discovered an incredible amount of free time. But beyond just time, the mental and emotional benefits have been even more exciting.

I’ve always been an overthinker, constantly worried about how I present myself online and in person. Leaving social media behind has relieved so much of that stress. No longer am I bombarded with political arguments, carefully curated highlight reels, or the pressure to measure up to someone else's filtered reality. Instead, I feel more present, more engaged, and far more content with my own journey.

Without the constant distractions, I’ve been able to truly focus on my work, hobbies, and personal growth. I’m studying for my financial license, diving into AI, and planning my move overseas. I’ve also found myself having deeper, more meaningful conversations with friends and family—whether through text or in person—rather than passively engaging through likes and comments. Without the impulse to check my phone every few minutes, I feel more connected to the people around me and more appreciative of life’s real moments.

Breaking free from the dopamine addiction of social media has been like hitting a reset button on my brain’s reward system. For years, I felt trapped in a cycle of endless ads, memes, and picture-perfect snapshots of other people’s lives, which inevitably led to self-comparison. Despite all my accomplishments, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t doing enough. Now? That feeling is practically gone. I know my worth, and I no longer seek external validation through social media.

With social media off my phone, I’ve rekindled my love for hobbies and real-world activities that bring me joy. I’ve gotten back into reading and listening to audiobooks, exercising, blogging, learning a new language, decluttering my home, and even painting. I’ve also reconnected with my Buddhist studies and meditation practice.

Now, I’m not saying everyone needs to quit social media entirely. I still have a few accounts, but I’ve set boundaries—I can only access them from my laptop, which I primarily use for work and writing. This simple change has significantly reduced my screen time. Now, I only log in for about an hour or two once a week, and honestly, I rarely even think about it anymore.

If you’ve ever felt like social media is draining your energy or taking time away from what truly matters, I encourage you to try removing it from your phone. Replace the habit with music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Trust me, stepping away from social media won’t hurt your social life—it will actually make you more social in the real world.

If you decide to make a change, I wish you the best of luck. You might be surprised at how much life you gain back.

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