How a Year Without Social Media Transformed My Life? How I Break Free?
Have you ever felt trapped by your phone? I did. A year ago, I found myself spending over ten hours a day aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. I knew something had to change, so I made a bold decision—one that would alter the course of my daily life.
For my birthday, I gave myself a challenge: stop wasting time on social media and start investing in myself. Social media had become a distraction, pulling me away from the things that really mattered—my growth, my focus, and my peace of mind. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
The First Step: Saying Goodbye to Social Media
The moment I decided to limit social media, I felt a wave of uncertainty. Was I really prepared to give up the endless scrolling? Sure, LinkedIn remained part of my daily routine, but even that had its limits. “No, Subas, LinkedIn is also a social media platform, and I’m pretty sure you’ve been using it,” you might say. True! But I now use it with boundaries—no more mindless scrolling.
The first few weeks were incredibly tough. I would instinctively reach for my phone, my brain desperate for that next dopamine hit. After years of scrolling, my mind was wired to crave the constant stimulation. Even though I redirected my energy into reading and skill-building, I couldn’t shake the restlessness. I knew I needed something more structured, something that would give me the sense of accomplishment I was missing.
Enter Duolingo: More Than Just Language Learning
That’s when I remembered Duolingo, an app I hadn’t touched since the COVID lockdown. Learning a language while turning it into a daily habit seemed like the perfect solution. It felt like a game, a fun way to engage my mind and get that dopamine hit I was missing from social media. The best part? It was productive.
From that day on, I practiced without missing a single day. Some days, I spent over an hour; other days, I only completed a quick lesson. But the streak stayed unbroken. And while Duolingo helped me stay engaged, it was just the beginning of a much larger transformation.
Transforming My Life Beyond the Streak
This journey was never just about Duolingo or even cutting back on social media. It became about reclaiming control over my time and energy, and the changes I experienced went far beyond what I had expected:
- Being Present: Without the constant urge to check my phone, I became more present in daily activities. I stopped mindlessly scrolling while eating, traveling, or even just sitting. Suddenly, I noticed the world around me—the scenery on my commute, the taste of my meals. I learned to be where I was.
- Improved Sleep: My sleep quality improved dramatically. No more late-night scrolling meant I was going to bed on time, waking up feeling rested and refreshed.
- Health and Wellness: With more time on my hands, I started focusing on myself. I began practicing yoga, staying active, and prioritizing mindfulness. These small shifts in daily habits drastically lowered my stress levels and made me feel more balanced.
- A Year of Reading: I read more books in one year than I ever had before—15 and counting! I explored new genres, expanded my knowledge, and found a love for reading that had been buried under endless hours of screen time.
Read my latest book review here:The Power of Now: A Life-Changing Journey into the Present Moment
Emotional Control: One of the biggest surprises was how much more control I had over my emotions. By eliminating distractions, I became more aware of my feelings and reactions. I found myself less stressed, less prone to anger, and more in control of how I responded to challenges.
“How Do You Stay Updated Without Social Media?”
One question I get asked a lot is, “How do you stay updated without social media?” People assume I’m missing out on everything happening in the world. But the truth is, I’m not. There are countless ways to stay informed—whether it’s through news apps, direct conversations, or simply reading articles that interest me. I’ve learned to filter what’s important without being bombarded by constant notifications.
I still use platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp to stay in touch with people who matter to me. And yes, I’ll use Facebook or Instagram when necessary, but only with intention—no more wasting hours on mindless scrolling.
The Truth About Social Media
Let me be clear: I don’t think social media is the enemy. It can be an incredibly powerful tool for learning, connecting, and even growing a business. But if you’re not using it to create or learn, it can easily become a black hole for your time and energy. I realized that if I wasn’t building something on these platforms, they were building distractions around me.
Now, a year later, I feel in control of my time, my mind, and my life in ways I never thought possible. If you feel overwhelmed by distractions or stuck in a cycle of scrolling, maybe it’s time to make a change. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time for Your Digital Detox?
This isn’t about quitting social media entirely. It’s about reclaiming your time and energy, focusing on what truly matters to you. Whether it’s learning a new skill, spending more time on self-care, or simply being more present in your day-to-day life, stepping away from distractions can lead to unexpected, powerful transformations.
If you’re considering making a change, I encourage you to take that first step. The journey might be difficult at first, but the rewards are life-changing.
Read my LinkedIn Article here: How a Year of Saying ‘No’ Changed Everything – LinkedIn
