how to train your brain to not need social media in the modern age

You don’t need me to tell you how not to doom scroll when there are countless videos on YouTube and other platforms, but since I have been advocating for social media detox, I figured it would only be fair to share with you what I have personally done to resist the doom scroll.

Step One: Replace the Apps.

Look.

Let’s be really honest with ourselves right now.

We scroll as a distraction. There is nothing wrong with needing a distraction at different points of time. Why else do we create hobbies and other tasks? But what we choose to fill the little pockets of time with is crucial. If you’re trying to detox from social media, you can definitely do it cold turkey.

However, I find that I can fill my time with better things. Currently, I am filling my time using the Substack app and Libby. You can also use the Kindle app if you like to read on your phone. The way I will be using Libby on my phone or on my Amazon tablet is for something else, but more on that in the next point.

You can also fill your time with brain games such as crossword puzzles, word association games, etc. They can be fun apps to keep when you need a moment of distraction but you don’t want to scroll.

Step Two: Books and Magazines.

Obviously, books are something we can fill our time with.

But let me tell you about magazines.

Growing up, I never really read magazines. I remember for a short blip of time in middle school, I was really into science. So I did have science magazines for a little while that my parents subscribed to for me. But some of the content was not entirely appropriate for a middle schooler, so we stopped getting those. Besides, I preferred reading books over magazine articles.

Recently, I was watching a video on YouTube (Click here to watch!) and the creator, Sunny Kim, had talked about how she’s detoxing from scrolling by using Substack and by using magazines on Libby.

Magazines on Libby are free through your library. (Not all libraries support magazines. Only one that I hold an online card to does. I definitely suggest getting multiple cards to link to Libby.) I am now subscribed for free, though Libby, to The New Yorker, Writing Magazine, and The Essential Southern Living Cookbook. The last one is just pictures and recipes, but they can be extremely helpful for people trying to come up with meal ideas!

I have found a love for magazines and reading articles and looking at pictures. It’s a great way to continue to absorb information while not having to read an entire book. It’s also a great way to curb scrolling.

Step Three: Focus Friend.

Yes, I immediately jumped on the bandwagon for the cool timer made by Hank Green. And yes, I love it! I use it as a reading timer or I set a timer for how long I want to be productive and I go do tasks I’ve been putting off, such as laundry or cleaning my space. It’s a small thing to add to your routine, but it helps so much. And if you don’t know anything about the app, just go get it. It’s the best time ever!

Step Four: Exercise.

I go on a lot of walks now. I love being outside in the sun. I don’t care about the weather. As long as there is no thunder or lighting or dangerous conditions, I will go on a walk. It’s nice to get out, get sunlight, and get fresh air. Alternatively, I will use my walking pad if I can’t get outside for some reason. Especially if I’m not feeling up to it. (headache days, iykyk.) I strive to get 10k steps every single day. While I do allow myself a couple days here and there to not focus on my goals if I’m not doing well, I try to stay on track with my fitness goals. Exercise, especially outside, has been healing for my soul.

Step Five: Get In Your Bible and Get In Your Church.

This may rub people the wrong way, but my life has completely changed since I started going to church two months ago. I didn’t grow up in church. I grew up in a Christian household that had experienced a lot of church hurt, to the point of being against church.

For a while, I felt like good churches did not exist.

And then my brother was invited to go to a church with a friend. He enjoyed it so much that on a separate visit, he brought my mom and myself. Everything changed. This church completely changed my opinion. Good churches DO exist.

However, I know not everyone has access to a good church. I definitely still understand not all churches are made equal, and this one has been an exception to many firm beliefs I have about church. So, while that may not be the option for you right this moment, I do say get in your Bible.

For about two years before attending my church, my faith in God had slowly crumbled. To be entirely honest, though I still believed in God and in Jesus and I didn’t compromise on the morals and values that I personally had, I was not a Christian. I really wasn’t.

I am so thankful to my brother for introducing me to this place because I have been able to heal from a lot of heart wounds. While there are plenty more that I need to work on, I know that I will find that healing in God alone. I have never been this on fire for God, and I am so happy to be in this space where I can give everything to Him and let Him handle the rest. Every morning, I wake up before work and I read my Bible. It’s usually a ten-minute practice, but it has made a wonderful difference in my heart posture.

Step Six: Find a Hobby.

I love video games. In my free time, you will find me on Fortnite. I also truly enjoy Minecraft. Or, throw it back to Crash Bandicoot, and I will sit and play for a while. I love playing games that allow me to just decompress.

But so many other hobbies exist.

Crochet, knitting, gardening, etc.

A hobby is a great thing to fill your time with.

Maybe for you writing is a hobby and not a career you’re pursuing. Or maybe it’s a little bit of both. I have found that as I pursue an author career, it is helpful for me to have a hobby entirely unrelated to it.

In Conclusion…

In working on my health, all aspects of it, I have come to find myself in a better mindset.

While I know social media will continue to be necessary for the goals I want to achieve as an author, I can say that I am learning how to not scroll, to get a healthy relationship with social media.

I don’t want to be chronically online.

And I know there are a lot of people that feel that way. So trust me when I say it’s well worth it to find other hobbies or things to fill your time. Take a break. Social media will still be there when you get back.

Until next time,