Reflections From My 30-Day Social Media Fast
About a month ago, I shared how I felt challenged to take a break from social media, specifically Instagram.
So, I did it. Well… mostly.
And now that I’m on the other side of it, I wanted to share what the Lord has revealed (habits and heart-wise), what habits are still sticking, and what old rhythms tried to sneak back in the moment I ended the fast.
Why I Started This Fast
Instagram had slowly become something more than just a tool. As a content creator, using Instagram is unavoidable. Yet it started creeping into every crevice of my day.
What was purely a window to connect, an instrument in my hands to share content, suddenly turned into something that mastered me!
I wasn’t doom-scrolling for hours every night, but the frequent check-ins cumulatively ate away at my time (and my soul). In subtle and growing ways, the thing I’d been consuming was starting to consume me.
My husband L had also been letting me know that I was spending way too much time on it (though I’d always justify my use as “for work” as a content creator), but the final nudge came when I read this part of 2 Peter 2:19 one day, “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
That’s when a wave of conviction came over me, and I was moved to take a 30-day fast from consuming any content on Instagram.
What I Intended
The plan was simple:
Use only Meta’s Business Suite to publish my posts (so I needn’t go into Instagram’s native app for that)
Replace scrolling with healthier habits, like reading, journaling, spending time in scriptures
For the most part, I stuck to it, though not perfectly.
The Meta Suite is a blessing, but oh wow that UX needs some refining. I found myself hopping back into the native app for simple things like reel edits and stories. Some days that led to distractions and scrolling slips!
Also, journaling didn’t quite happen like I hoped, but something else happened in its place
What Actually Happened
I probably had my best month ever in terms of reading volume. Every spare moment that would’ve been eaten up by scrolling became space for learning and reflecting through well-researched books on topics I had been long wanting to dive into.
Without the constant drip-feed of online noise, my mind was clearer and more focused.
I started my days first thing on waking in God’s word. I downloaded a plan on my Bible app and made sure to a shortcut on my phone so that it’d be easily accessible. A new hunger for God’s word grew in me, and that was such a pleasant surprise.
I also noticed a tangible shift in my work productivity. Without the constant drip-feed of online noise, my mind was clearer and more focused. I didn’t realize how much emotional clutter “innocent scrolling” on social media created in my soul. Without it, I found myself getting more done in less time. Imagine that!
And at home? I was less snappy. Less rushed. There was just… more capacity to be present. I didn’t feel as pulled in ten different directions. My toddler still had his big feelings and we still had our chaotic days, but I was entering those moments with more calm than before. It's amazing how something like a social media break can trickle all the way down into how I mother.
By shutting out the noise of the world, there was so much more headspace to think through my own thoughts, regulate my emotions, and even better, to lean into the Lord’s leaning again.
Habits I’ve Gained and What I’m Keeping
I’ve been able to hold on to some habits from the 30-day period that still serve me:
No scrolling in the “in-between” moments: waiting in lifts, eating lunch solo, waiting at the bus stop, etc. Instead of looking to fill every moment that seems boring at first glance, I let myself notice things — the people around me, the weather, my thoughts and feelings.
No doom-scrolling at night: Needless to say, my sleep has improved.
Some unexpected but welcome knock-on effects of the first two:
I’m free(er) from the social media comparison trap
The pressure to “keep up”? Not so loud anymore
My content creator FOMO is slowly fading (yay)
I’m learning to lean into the God-given topics on my heart, not just the trending ones. And I’m also learning to release perfectionism and trust that quantity over quality will be enough. To be obedient to what the Lord is nudging me to say with my platforms rather than worry about my relevance.
Will I Ever Pull The Plug On Social Media?
I don’t think so. Aside from using it for my work here, I don’t personally desire to go off=grid either. I still enjoy getting to know women like you in my community, learning what’s on the hearts of the mums I serve, and to share words that meet you right where you are.
Of course, old habits die hard! The days right after my fast ended, boy oh boy, my app time skyrocketed again. It’s so crazy how quickly my thumb muscles remember what to do, heh.
But at least now I’m more aware of the moments I start going down rabbit holes, or feel that sour tug of comparison. This awareness is a gift and mercy; a way the Lord is guiding me, and I’ll keep tuning in so that the noise of the world won’t drown out the voice of the Lord.
Over to you, friend
So that’s my little social media fast story.
Maybe for you it’s not Instagram. Maybe it’s the endless parenting advice research rabbit holes, the pressure to do it all, or the mental clutter that grows into crippling anxiety.
What’s something you’ve felt prompted to lay down—or hold more loosely—in this season of motherhood?
I’d love to hear how you’re navigating it, or even just sit with you in the “thinking about it” phase.
If you feel moved to drop me a note to share a struggle that we can pray together, you can reach me at @thehearthmakers on Instagram, or email me at samantha@thehearthmakers.com I generally don’t take too long to reply :)
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