Sharing my journey of mindful living, daily writing, purposeful apps, and how to come back intentionally after 3 months of social media detox.
Okay, picture this: it’s Monday morning, the sun is barely up, and my kiddo drags me and my husband out for a “quick” morning walk around the Botanic Garden. One lap = 2.5 km, full-blown sweat session. You know what’s wild? We live here every day. The garden is literally right in front of our balcony. But the last time I actually walked here was on my birthday, September 6th. It was 1.5 months ago!
By the time we got back to the apartment, I was dripping sweat, my kid was full of energy, and my husband, predictably, dove straight into his Monday marathon of online meetings. My eldest and I grabbed the laundry, set up breakfast with some freshly delivered warteg veggies and lauk, and just enjoyed a slow, grounded morning until she went back to college.
And then I remembered: today marks three months since I uninstalled every distracting app from my phone. Three months of no Instagram, no Thread, no TikTok, no Facebook. My original plan was maybe just a month, like previous hiatuses during vacations. But this time, no vacation, no pressure, no escape. Just one goal: to save my brain from brainrot due to content-snacking.
So what did I actually do during these three months offline? Well, first, I wrote. A lot. Every single day, at least 1000 words on my blog. And yes, it became a ritual, a strangely satisfying one. Then, I filled my app space with purposeful alternatives: the Bible app, Headway, Blinkist, and Coursera. I stayed connected without the scroll trap, using WhatsApp status to nudge real conversations, one-on-one. Google Photos memories are also a goldmine for sharing old snaps with mentions, sparking chats I actually enjoyed. Quora became my window to other perspectives, feeding curiosity rather than distraction.
Interestingly, research shows that the average adult spends about 2-3 hours per day on social media, which adds up to almost a month of scrolling every year! Studies also suggest that regular social media breaks can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and boost focus. I can personally attest: after the first week offline, my mornings felt calmer, my writing flow improved, and I stopped constantly checking my phone for “updates” that never really mattered.
So if you’re curious about doing a social media detox yourself, here’s a simple framework I followed:
Step 1: Uninstall distracting apps. Don’t leave them tucked away in a folder, coz they’ll call you like a magnet.
Step 2: Replace them with purposeful apps. Mine were:
Bible app for reflection
Headway / Blinkist for reading books
Coursera for courses I always meant to finish
Step 3: Stay connected intentionally. Use WhatsApp status or scheduled messages for real conversations. One-on-one beats mass scrolling every time.
Step 4: Use memory prompts instead of newsfeed scrolling. Google Photos memories, old journals, or even photo albums can trigger joyful reflection without the dopamine trap.
Step 5: Set intentions for your return. Know why you’re coming back, how you’ll use social media, and what you want to avoid. Mindless scrolling is optional.
And now… here I am, back from hiatus. Why? Hmm… let’s play the “guess the reason” game. Hint: it’s not about vanity, FOMO, or some sudden craving for likes. Honestly, I have some missions that only social media can do.
But here’s the catch: social media doesn’t have to be a brain-rotting scroll. It can be a mindful, intentional space, if you set it up right.
Posting my comeback photo feels a little like coming home after a long walk in the garden: sweaty, satisfied, and ready for what’s next. There’s a subtle thrill in reconnecting, but also a calm sense of control. I’ve learned that it’s not the apps themselves that are dangerous; it’s how we let them use our attention.
If you’ve ever thought about taking a break from social media, or even if you just need a reset, remember this: it’s not about abandoning connection. It’s about choosing the right connection, the ones that feed your mind, your creativity, and your soul.
And maybe, you’ll find that after three months offline, coming back can feel like the start of something even better than before.
Life isn’t about avoiding distractions. It’s about picking which ones are worth your attention.
Comments