7 Days Clean: My Social Media Detox for Mental Health

I’ve been 7 days clean from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. After last week’s political violence, I realized for my own mental health and emotional well-being I needed to take a social media break.

Honestly, I think I’m done with Facebook for good. I’m still undecided about Instagram. And TikTok had to go because, truthfully, I was buying too many things I didn’t need.

Finding Simplicity Again

And you know what? I feel better.

I’ve gone a little old-school and started reading online newspapers for my news. It reminds me of the days when the newspaper was delivered to your front door. You’d grab it early in the morning, flip through the headlines, the comics, the sales ads, and then put it down and move on with your day. Simple. Contained. Enough.

This social media detox is giving me space to focus on what truly matters: staying informed without constant scrolling, improving my focus, and protecting my emotional health.

Staying Informed Without Doom-Scrolling

For me, the irresponsible thing would be to bury my head in the sand and only focus on my own life. That’s partly how we’ve ended up where we are today. I want to stay educated and aware, but without drowning in endless doom-scrolling.

Now, I’m reading more, signing up for emails from trusted sources (Heather Cox Richardson is one of my favorites), and grounding myself in my daily devotionals. Richard Rohr’s emails, in particular, have been a saving grace.

This combination of mindful living and reducing screen time has made a noticeable difference in my mood, focus, and emotional stability.

Refocusing My Energy

Instead of pouring my energy into social media, I want to focus on what I can actually influence: helping people heal emotionally and mentally. Life is hard, but healing matters. When we do our individual work, we begin to heal our families, communities, country, and even our world.

A Gentle Invitation

✨ Here’s your invitation to pause and reflect:

• How is your emotional well-being right now?

• Do you need a mental health break or healthier boundaries with social media?

• Is there a better way for you to stay informed without drowning in noise?

• Could you trade a little doom-scrolling for time in nature, a good book, or quiet reflection?

Your well-being matters. Taking one small step today to care for your mind and heart can change everything,not just for you, but for the people around you too.

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for a therapist to walk alongside you, or a speaker for your event, I’d love to connect. Please feel free to email me at kim@kimwatttherapy.com.