11 Tips to Help You do a Social Media Detox Successfully

Some time ago, I challenged my readers to do a social media detox and encouraged you to plan regular times to detox throughout the year. In case you missed it, you can read all about the benefits of a social media detox in my post on Why a Social Media Detox is a Form of Self Care. To cut to the chase, taking some time off of these platforms can improve our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

A break from social media can be difficult, however, if it’s become an ingrained part of our daily routine. Many of us automatically reach for our phones first thing in the morning and they are often the last thing we look at before we go to sleep. It’s almost a reflex to pick up our phones when we’re bored, and seemingly have nothing else to do.

But, if you’re serious about improving your mental health, there are several ways to make a social media detox easier and tools to help you complete a detox successfully.

Today, I’m sharing 11 ways to help you do a social media detox from start to finish, and make this commitment a special time of rejuvenation and peace you’ll actually look forward to.

Tips to Resist Temptation

The hardest part of a social media detox is the temptation to pick up our phones. They’re just RIGHT there always begging to be scrolled through and constantly ringing with notifications. Here are some tricks to keep those temptations at bay:

1. Leave your phone in another room. This is the best way to break the habit of reaching for your phone. You can keep your ringer on in case you do get an important phone call, but leave it out of sight and make it inconvenient for you to get up and get it.

2. Temporarily turn off your notifications. It’s easier to resist temptation when we don’t have a constant reminder that there are things going on online that can trigger our fear of missing out. If someone really wants us to know something, there are other ways they can reach out to us. Other things can wait.

3. Announce your detox to friends and family. Let people know that you are planning to be off social media platforms for however many days so they know to reach you by phone or in person if they have something they need you to see. Making an announcement can also help to keep you accountable. It’s much easier to stick with something when other people know you’ve made a commitment.

Tips to Help You Fill Your Time

If you spend a lot of your day on social media, you might know what to do with this newly freed up time. Here are some tips to help you fill in those gaps with meaningful and uplifting activities.

1. Start a project.

Use this time to work on a project around your home or do something creative. This could be a crochet blanket, painting, a DIY home improvement, landscaping, etc. Try doing a project that will provide you with a tangible reward for your time spent. This will keep you motivated to spend less time on your phone and do things that add more value to your life.

2. Read a book.

May of us have shorter attention spans than we used to because of social media and instant gratification. Our minds get bored when we focus on just one thing. Use reading as a way to retrain your mind and invite more calm and peace into your life. Sitting down with a good book can offer a nice escape from day to day life and can help keep our minds sharp.

3. Reconnect with nature.

It’s so important to spend time in nature in a relaxing setting. Not only will you benefit from vitamin D, but fresh air and sunshine really does do the body good. You can come away feeling happier, more relaxed and with an improved circulatory system and overall health.

4. Spend more time with friends and family.

Instead of just following family and friends on the internet plan some time to actually be in their presence and really catch up. These interactions are good for the soul and can help us destress and improve our mood.

5. Start a new hobby.

If there’s something you’ve had an interest in, dive deeper into it. Take steps to make that interest an active part of your life. It’s never too late to learn new skills or pick up a sport. You can even find others in your community with the same interests and work on those hobbies together.

6. Work on your goals.

If you’ve been neglecting those New Year’s resolutions, a social media detox is a great time to pick them back up. Make them a focus and priority and give them the time and attention you know they need!

7. Catch up on other things you’ve been putting off.

It’s easy for household chores to pile up or to neglect important checkups and doctor’s visits. Use this time to mark those things off your list. This will provide you with a sense of accomplishment and can improve your overall well-being.

8. Volunteer.

There are plenty of opportunities for service in every community. Find a way to share your particular skills or talents with those around you who might be in need. Volunteer work can be incredibly rewarding, not only for the people you serve, but also for yourself. You can usually find volunteer opportunities through state and city websites or church programs or with a simple web search.

Do You Plan to Take Social Media Detox?

I hope you’ll use these tips and tricks to plan your social media detox. Everyone needs a reset and recharge every now and then. We are all so busy, especially as wives and mothers. We often have several things on our plates at once. Removing this element of distraction can provide a needed mental break and enable us to realign with ourselves. 

If you’re interested in other ways to improve your mental health, be sure to check out my posts on positive affirmations and follow my tips for relaxation and stress relief.

And, if you liked this post, you’ll love these 9 Things You Need to Stop Doing to Live Your Best Life!, these important Time Management Strategies and 50 Goals in Life You Should Set Today.