Recently, talented singer Ari Lennox announced via Instagram that she will be deleting all her social media accounts to transition off social media permanently. She expressed that despite potentially losing brand deals and having to find creative ways to promote her work, ending her toxic codependent relationship with social media is more valuable. Fans had mixed reactions regarding her decision, with some applauding her while others expressed that it was a cry for help. Since we live in the digital age, it can be difficult to imagine completely disconnecting from social media. However, a social media detox has numerous benefits, so it is important to occasionally log off social media and log on to real life. Since this can be a difficult task for beginners, here are some mindful practices to try during a social media detox.

Mind

In the age of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, connecting with your mind during a social media detox is a helpful practice. Despite how difficult it can be for some to engage in reading, it is a great way to stimulate your mind and activate your imagination. Reading can be fun if you explore topics that are interesting to you as opposed to reading for the sake of it. School can make your reading experience unbearable since it is assignment-based. However, there are numerous genres to choose from that will align with your interests, such as romance, horror, fantasy, or erotic literature.

If reading a novel is too big of a commitment, then you can start small with short stories, poems, magazines, articles, or comic books. Ultimately, reading is a great way to improve your memory, strengthen your knowledge, and reduce your stress.

Completing jigsaw puzzles is also a great way to engage your mind during a social media detox. Even though a puzzle with numerous pieces can seem difficult to complete, it is a great practice to help with your short-term memory and improve your problem-solving skills. The experience can be more enjoyable if you complete it with friends or loved ones. It also allows you to disconnect from the stress of being online by focusing on a specific task. Depending on the puzzle’s design, you could frame it and use it as interior decoration for your home. The sense of accomplishment after completing your puzzle will encourage you to continue the practice for fun.

Body

Connecting with nature is a very mindful practice to help you get grounded with Mother Earth during a social media detox. We often forget the beauty of the world around us because we are too caught up with the online world. However, connecting with nature has numerous benefits, such as improving your immune system and sleep. Taking a walk within your neighborhood is the simplest way to engage in physical activity and admire the nature around you. You could potentially go for a hike or go to the beach and enjoy the beauty of the vast ocean while sunbathing. Touching grass (literally) by planting your bare feet on the ground or lying on the grass while sunbathing is a great way to receive vitamin D while reducing your stress.

Hugging trees or talking to plants is another relaxing practice that allows you to honor the earth. Plants are alive, so intentionally acknowledging them through engagement will help you respect the land and be more mindful of your surroundings.

Yoga is another great mindful practice that can help you disconnect from your mind and reconnect with your body during a social media detox. Not only does it improve body flexibility, strengthen your muscles, and lower your blood pressure, but it also allows you to recognize where tension lies in your body. If you especially struggle with maintaining a workout routine, yoga is a great alternative that is less rigorous. Even though it can seem unattainable if you have never tried it, there are numerous yoga practices for beginners that you can find online if you don’t want to sign up for a class. For example, if you have back pain, you can search for videos on beginner yoga practices for back pain. Beyond its mental and physical benefits, yoga promotes mindfulness of your body, which can often get neglected if you spend hours on social media.

Soul

Meditation is the ideal mindful practice to help connect with your soul during a social media detox. Meditation allows you to silence the mind and be still, something that is especially needed considering the amount of simulation we receive from being online. Connecting to the soul requires quieting the mind, which allows you to tap into your intuition, which is ultimately your true voice. Even though meditation can seem daunting for beginners, there are numerous guided meditation prompts and videos that can help with the practice. You can also start small by doing a 5-minute meditation practice and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. Beyond the mental benefits, meditation can help you become more self-aware about the root of your actions and allow you to make a more informed decision based on your soul’s perspective.

During your social media detox, mirror work is an excellent mindful practice to help you connect with your soul. Mirror work involves intentionally reciting positive affirmations while looking at yourself in the mirror. It costs absolutely nothing, but it can be a very difficult process to confront yourself and acknowledge your insecurities. Mirror work benefits you by boosting your confidence and transforming your self-image. Even though it may initially feel silly, continuous practice will allow you to recognize the insecurity blockages that are preventing you from affirming yourself.

You can choose specific affirmations such as “I fully love and accept myself,” and practice saying it a few minutes. As you become more comfortable with yourself, you will gradually increase the time and start having deep conversations with yourself. This practice helps you connect with your soul by looking beyond the physical, unleashing your deepest insecurities, and allowing you to meet your inner self.