Are you needing some time away from social media? Considering a social media detox? Taking a break from social media can help clear your mind, help you stop comparing yourself to others, help you to feel more positive, and give your more time to just live your life!

A few months ago, I realized I was sick of wasting my time mindlessly scrolling on Instagram and watching videos on Snapchat. I would spend way too long staring at my screen watching other people’s lives. And I noticed that my thoughts would turn negative almost every time I started to scroll.

Negative feelings started coming up for me like jealousy, comparison, stress, and even judgment! That’s when I realized social media wasn’t doing me any good, and it was time for a major break.

So I deleted Snapchat and Instagram off my phone for over a month and only kept Facebook to stay in touch with family.

And in that month? My mental health was so much better! I started focusing more on hobbies and things that I love doing (like this blog!) and I noticed I no longer cared what other people we’re doing. Stepping back and taking a break was everything I needed to start living my life without a care. It was freeing!

Interested in trying it yourself? Here are 5 steps to trying a social media detox.

1. Determine why you want to take a break

It’s important to bring self awareness and reflection into the process so you can understand exactly why you’re wanting a break. Have you been feeling negative feelings when you go on social media? Is it because you’re wasting a lot of time? Is it because you feel addicted to your phone? Is it because you post too much?

By narrowing down your specific reasons for going on a social media detox, you’ll be able to come back with more self-control when you’re done.

2. Unfriend or unfollow those who make you feel negatively

Do you follow someone who is constantly complaining or posting inappropriate stuff? If you think that doesn’t affect your emotional state, think again! Every time you read something negative, you might carry it with you for the rest of the day.

Going through your friends list and deciding who’s worth your time and who’s not will make the transition back into social media so much better. By doing it now, you’re setting yourself up for success.

3. Add people or accounts who bring you happiness or inspiration

What makes you feel excited or passionate? If you love personal development like me, consider following some accounts that focus on personal development. If you love DIY projects, follow some accounts that post cool project ideas. Social media can be an incredible place to connect with likeminded people and get inspiration, so fill your friends list with as many inspiring accounts as possible.

4. Decide which social media accounts your taking a break from and for how long.

Maybe you just want to take a break from Facebook. Or maybe you want to take a break from every social media account you’ve got. If you’re not ready to give up social media entirely, just choose one or two accounts to take a break from.

When deciding the length of time for your break, it’s important to be realistic. Choose a number that feels like it’s going to challenge you but not so much that you’re setting yourself up to fail.

5. Decide what you’re going to replace your time with that you usually spend on social media

This is my favorite part of a social media detox! If you normally spend two hours a day on social media, you’re now going to have two extra hours to spend doing whatever you’d like! Are there any hobbies you want to start? Any books you want to read? Maybe some self care ideas you can try?

If you don’t have a few ideas of ways to spend your time, you’re more likely to feel tempted to get back on social media because you’re bored. So choose at least three ways you’re going to replace your time!

I hope this post was helpful in showing you how to do a social media detox. If you use the printables and try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!