Giving up social media

I recently completed my second semester at Rhodes Wellness College—a transformative and deeply insightful period. One of the most eye-opening experiences was our addictions counseling module, during which our instructor challenged us to give up something for a couple of weeks. The goal was to document our experience in a daily journal, writing at least half a page each day.

As a writer, I was intrigued by the assignment, but the part of me that clings to habits resisted the idea of letting go of something significant. What would I choose? The thought of giving up Facebook triggered an immediate fear of missing out (FOMO). That same morning, as I lay in bed scrolling mindlessly through my feed—eyes tired, minutes slipping away faster than expected—I knew it was time for a change. This was the perfect opportunity to step back and examine my social media habits through a magnified lens.

The first step was deleting the Facebook app from my phone. Initially, I only removed it from my home screen—was that subconscious sabotage? Once I truly deleted the app, I no longer had instant access to the endless scrolling rabbit hole. Instead, I found myself reaching for a book, rekindling a lifelong habit that had faded when smartphones became an extension of our hands.

But what would I write about for two weeks? My journal entries started as simple descriptions of my days without social media. Over time, they evolved into deeper reflections, uncovering hidden patterns of behavior. I realized that my scrolling habit wasn’t exclusive to Facebook—I caught myself absentmindedly browsing the IKEA website as a replacement!

This small experiment created mental space that had previously been occupied by social media’s endless loop. That newfound space allowed me to engage in more meaningful activities. Now, I read about a book a week—an impressive feat, considering my packed schedule of morning classes, part-time work, and parenting responsibilities.

Currently, in my third semester at Rhodes, I’m diving into the first of four wellness courses: Physical Wellness. This inspired me to integrate Yin yoga into my mornings before meditation and school. I’ve also committed to walking at least three to four days a week while maintaining my reading habit.

It’s astonishing how much time social media quietly drains from our lives. By making small, intentional changes, we can reclaim that time and move closer to our goals. If you’re looking for support in making positive changes and need someone to hold you accountable, send me an email —I’d love to connect and support your journey!