We are living in an age where screens are part of our everyday lives. It might be easy to remove a television from your home, but it’s not as easy to toss out your computer or cellphone. The digital world has become part of our day-to-day reality. Although we can’t live in a screen free world, we can be more conscious about what we consume on our screens. The thing that most people want to limit is their social media consumption.

Is your weakness TikTok or Instagram? Do you enjoy those final moments before bed when you flip through your feed? Or maybe your addiction comes when you’re on the train on your way to work? Although it’s entertaining, it’s pure brain rot. And just like with everything else that sucks our energy, we must learn how to take breaks from social media. 

There are studies that raise concerns about the long term negative impacts of social media on our mental and emotional well being. While it’s pretty well known that the use of social media negatively impacts young kids and teens, fewer people understand the impact it has on adults. Books like the Anxious Generation teaches us that social media can impair even adults’ attention span, increase anxiety and cause sleep disorders. 

If you are seeking a detox, here are a few things you can do to begin your cleanse.

1. Get an App Blocker

It’s possible that you don’t have the self-control to just stop using social media. If that’s the case, then you’re not alone. Many people have a hard time limiting their social media usage on their own. Just as there are billion dollar companies who devote their resources to developing addictive technologies, there are also individuals that are trying to help people break free. Apps like Be Present or One Sec create blocks that limit app usage so that you can take control of your time. Unlike the iPhone blockers, they set up multiple layers of protection so that you can’t easily bypass the walls. I have personally invested in Be Present and have found myself cutting down on the times I click on IG. It really helps serve as a physical and mental block to social media access. 

2. Invest in a Physical Blocker 

Another option is to purchase the Brick. This device creates a physical blocker for social media usage. It forces you to physically touch the square device whenever you want to remove the blocker and gain access to your forbidden apps. If you are someone that clicks through the other walls, you might want to try the physical device to limit your access. 

3. Focus Your Energy Elsewhere

It’s not enough to simply limit the source of the harm. You need to figure out how to channel your energy elsewhere. Maybe you want to replace your scroll time with more reading. Maybe while you’re sitting in social media jail you can do more dhikr. Either way, it’s good to channel the energy into something new like a craft. Sometimes working with your hands can help train your hands and eyes to move away from the screens.

Remember, the road to recovery can be difficult, but if you work hard, you will succeed inshaAllah.