Scrolling for hours on end and losing track of time has become the new norm in this generation. Sometimes when you find yourself sitting and bored, the first thing you want to do is look at your phone and open Instagram or TikTok. Look around you. How many people can you count who are on Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat?

People are constantly looking down at their phones, scrolling and snapping. Maybe they’re bored and trying to fill their time with something entertaining to lose track of time. They could’ve gone on their phone to check something, but accidentally pressed Instagram and got lost looking at stories instead. Either way, social media is always an easy way to lose track of time and get distracted. Why not take a break, and fast from social media instead? 

Fasting isn’t just about food; it means giving up something that takes your time, energy, and attention. Many people fast from social media because of the constant distraction it holds on to their life. Even if you don’t realize it, social media might hold more of your attention than you think. Social media is commonly known for something to occupy your time and attention.

Thus, people want to get rid of the distraction, so they fast from social media for a set amount of time. After fasting from social media for a week, Sean McGovern noticed he was “more focused and felt less busy.” Sean heard of fasting from social media by some of his family members and friends. Once knowing that people close to him were also fasting it made it much easier.”

Fasting from social media can free up time and distractions. It can also help with your mental state of mind as well. Allison Jochum (11) fasted from her phone completely while at church camp for a week. Her and most people at camp chose not to bring their phones to free their minds from distractions. After being away from her phone, Allison felt it helped with her mental health. She also felt that fasting helped her to “stay in the moment and not get distracted.”

Constantly, we can be distracted with our phones and social media. Fasting from social media can be useful to your state of mind and the way you spend your time. Whether it’s a day, a week, or a month. Taking a break from social media is very beneficial. Even if it’s just making sure to stay off of social media after waking up and before going to bed. Taking a break from social media can also give your brain a break from overwhelming thoughts.

The most challenging part of fasting is usually the beginning and end. At the start, it can be hard to be off of social media, especially if you’re used to going on it daily. Once you make a habit of going on social media on a regular basis, it makes being off of it even harder. Sometimes it’s better to fast with longer periods of time rather than shorter increments. This makes being away from social media easier after a set amount of time.

Once making a specific time for a fast, challenges often start to appear as it nears the end. When the fast comes to an end, the want to go on social media can grow stronger, but remaining vigilant about reducing social media intake can make a positive difference in your life.