No Social Media
30 Days No Social Media
Rediscover Your Time & Creativity!
You know, I know, we all know how easy it is to get stuck doom scrolling. There’s no shame in it, everyone’s screen times are crazzzyy high these days. However, the fortunate to unfortunate truth is that removing social media completely, can force you to engage your time and energy in other ways thus leading to new experiences (which is what this brand is all about). I myself have done this challenge and can say that I do in fact feel more creative and energetic forcing myself to do things that I enjoy. Even if just for these 30 days, I hope you’ll try it too!
Here’s how to approach the 30-day no-social-media challenge, with fun DIY projects, creative experiences, and alternatives that fill you up!
1. Set Your Intentions:
Before you begin, it’s important to decide what you want to achieve during these 30 days. Consider the following questions:
Why do you want to take a break from social media? Is it for mental clarity, more free time, or to reduce stress?
What would you like to focus on during this time? Are there any hobbies, skills, or experiences you want to dive into?
How will you track your progress? Keep a journal of your reflections, experiences, and activities throughout the month.
2. Prepare Your Mindset:
Delete or Disable Apps: Remove social media apps from your phone or disable notifications to avoid temptation. You can also use apps like Forest to stay focused or Freedom to block social media sites.
Tell Your Friends: Let close friends know you’re doing the challenge so they won’t expect replies on social media. You can share your experience with them later or keep in touch via text, phone calls, or email.
Set Daily or Weekly Goals: Create goals for each week to stay motivated and intentional about the activities you’ll be doing instead of scrolling.
3. Activities to Do Instead of Scrolling:
Week 1: Mindful Reflection and Reconnection with Yourself
The first week is about getting comfortable with your new routine and finding mindful activities to do without your phone.
Morning Journaling: Instead of checking social media as soon as you wake up, spend 10-15 minutes journaling. Write down your thoughts, intentions for the day, and things you’re grateful for. This helps set a positive tone for your day.
DIY Vision Board: Create a vision board with magazines, scissors, glue, and poster board. Cut out images and quotes that represent your goals, dreams, and aspirations. This is a tactile way to visualize your future instead of getting distracted by digital images.
Explore Nature: Go for a walk or hike in a park or around your neighborhood. Leave your phone at home or in your bag. Notice the small details in nature—the colors, textures, and sounds. Take a mental break and reconnect with the outdoors.
Read a Book: Reading is a great way to relax and nourish your mind. Start a new book or revisit one you’ve been meaning to read. You can also try listening to audiobooks for a new experience.
Creative Drawing or Doodling: Grab some paper and colored pencils or markers, and start drawing. Don’t worry about being “good” at it—just let your creativity flow. Try doodling, sketching, or even coloring in a coloring book.
Week 2: Exploring New Hobbies and Skills
Now that you’ve settled into the challenge, use the second week to explore new interests and skills that don’t involve technology.
Learn a Craft: Try your hand at knitting, crochet, or embroidery. Pick up a DIY kit or search for beginner tutorials online (without the social media apps!) and start working on a simple craft project.
Start a DIY Home Project: Pick a simple home improvement project like reorganizing your closet, making homemade candles, or painting a picture frame. The process of creating something tangible can be rewarding and fulfilling.
Cook Something New: Try cooking or baking a new recipe from scratch. Whether it’s a savory dish or a sweet treat, cooking is a great way to unwind and engage in a creative process.
Take a Digital Detox Day: Pick one day during the second week to completely disconnect from your phone. Do activities like writing letters, journaling, or playing board games. Focus on being present without the temptation of digital distractions.
Puzzles or Brain Games: Challenge yourself with jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or strategy games. These activities can stimulate your brain and offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Week 3: Social Connection and Physical Well-Being
By now, you may be feeling more relaxed and engaged with offline activities. Use the third week to deepen your social connections and focus on physical well-being.
Connect In-Person: Call or meet up with friends or family face-to-face. Go for a coffee, have a picnic, or plan a fun outing that doesn’t involve phones. Spending quality time with loved ones is a great alternative to digital interactions.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise can be a great way to lift your mood and improve your health. Try yoga, pilates, or any physical activity that you enjoy. You can also take walks or try home workouts. Make it a point to move every day.
DIY Aromatherapy: Create your own essential oil blends or make a DIY room spray. Use your sense of smell to relax and focus on self-care. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to water in a spray bottle to freshen up your space.
Organize Your Space: Declutter a specific area in your home. Whether it’s your desk, your kitchen pantry, or your bookshelf, organizing will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more focused and peaceful in your environment.
Take a Mindful Bath: Have a relaxing bath with candles, essential oils, and calming music (without your phone!). Focus on being present and fully relaxing in the moment.
Week 4: Creative Projects and Reflection
By the fourth week, you’ll likely feel a lot more comfortable with your no-social-media lifestyle. Now it’s time to tap into deeper creative expression and reflection.
Start a DIY Project: Begin a larger DIY project like creating personalized home décor, painting a canvas, or refurbishing old furniture. You could make a gallery wall or create a vision board that represents your ideal life.
Explore Your Local Area: Take a day trip to a nearby town, museum, or nature spot you haven’t been to before. Leave your phone in your bag and focus on experiencing the environment in real-time.
Write Letters or Cards: Take the time to handwrite letters to friends or family members. It’s a thoughtful way to express gratitude and connect with others without relying on social media.
Creative Photography: If you enjoy photography, try shooting with a camera or your phone, but avoid social media for sharing. Capture the world around you—nature, people, architecture—and create a photo album or print your favorites.
Reflect on the Experience: At the end of the 30 days, reflect on how the challenge has impacted you. What have you learned about yourself? How did your mood, energy, and productivity change? Do you feel more connected to the world around you? Record your thoughts in a journal.
4. Tips to Keep You on Track:
Find Accountability: If possible, tell a friend or family member about your challenge. Try and reach out to friends and family more to fill your days with plans. Keeping busy helps avoid falling onto the couch as soon as you get home and turning to your phone.
Replace Social Media with Little Moments: Whenever you have the urge to check your social media, go out and find something small to treat yourself with or engage in. We have a full list of ideas here
Track Your Progress: Use a journal or take little photos of every day to track your daily activities and reflections during the challenge. This will help you stay mindful and motivated.
Listen To Music: I find that putting some sort of noise on in the background, whether it be music or a show I don’t care about, helps distract me similarly to social media.