Let's talk Intermittent Fasting (but make it Social Media)
In this week’s blog, we’re talking about intermittent fasting, but not the kind you usually hear about in the wellness world. This one’s for social media.
It’s not exactly news that we spend too much time on our phones. We don’t need more brain scans to tell us what constant scrolling does to our nervous systems, though there’s plenty of research backing it up. The amount of time we give away for quick dopamine hits or to tune life out is honestly eye-wateringly shocking. Time we could spend building something meaningful, being with people we love, applying for that new job, or simply stepping outside for a walk.
And while we could get deep into the weeds about the nonstop bad news we consume every day (because…wowza), the truth is simpler: you can feel it. Our brains and nervous systems aren’t built to process this much information, this fast, all day long. No wonder we feel overstimulated, anxious, disconnected, or just plain off. Even if you think you’re handling it, it’s still landing in your body.
Learning how to feel good isn’t about adding more habits or fixing yourself. It’s about noticing what drains you and choosing, again and again, to protect your energy.
I feel everything. It’s my strongest ability. Because of that, I’ve become devoted to curating my social media, unapologetically. I started unfriending and unfollowing years ago. It doesn’t eliminate every triggering post, but it drastically reduces the noise. From there, it’s up to me to keep tending the space.
I don’t need to follow someone I barely know or an account that quietly spikes my stress. If a page I once loved no longer feels good, it’s okay to unfollow (or mute) and come back later if needed. This isn’t about isolating yourself. It’s about engaging when you actually have the capacity to do so.
For some people, social media is their livelihood like many here, so turning it off can feel complicated. I feel that. But just like businesses have hours of operation, so should we. No one needs to be available 7 days a week.
As we head into the new year, my devotion is intermittent fasting my social media. I joke with my mom that my texting hours are 8am–8pm. Truly, if it’s urgent, it’s a phone call. I get overstimulated easily, and I also love my sleep.
So I’m practicing a 12-hour social media fasting window (for example, 8am–8pm). No scrolling first thing in the morning. No catching up on the latest before bed. It’s such an automatic habit to tap an app without thinking, so ease into it, just like food fasting. Start with putting your phone away 30 minutes before bed and waiting 30 minutes after waking. Your brain, nervous system, and soul will feel the difference.
Learning how to feel good often looks less like doing more and more like stepping back. The people I admire most online make no apologies for their rest and time away. Social media can be a powerful tool, but I suggest treating it like an office.
Clock in.
Clock out.
And notice how much better you feel.
We’ve got this.
Until next time, take what works and leave the rest.
Namasté