Why I Quit Social Media for My Mental Health
Over the past few years, I began to notice that social media was making my anxiety worse instead of helping me. My feed was full of negative people arguing back and forth, misinformation, scams using AI or other antics people fall for, and racism. Eventually I realized that stepping away might be the best decision for my mental health.
The Things That Made Social Media Stressful
Things that pushed me away from social media:
- Increased anxiety
- Misinformation spreading quickly
- AI scams and fake content
- Constant drama and arguments
- Racism and extremist content
- Too many ads
- Feeds showing I never followed
- People being rude or hostile online
Instead of feelings inspired or connected, I often felt overwhelmed and mentally exhausted after scrolling. That’s when it was time for me to leave, and focus on healing myself, spend more time with my family and focus on the things I love.
What Happened After I Left
After leaving social media, I started having less anxiety (not gone, but improved). I even created a vision board I wanted to make for a while. I began spending time reading old magazines I purchased but never had time to read.
I also started focusing on healing and mental health while continuing to work with my therapist and my psychiatrist.
When it is time to pick up my kids from school, I walk for about 40 minutes while listening to lofi beats. It helps me stay in my thoughts and often spraks have creative ideas for myself, and my family.
My New Morning Routine
I wake up around 5 AM with my husband before our children wake up and spend time doing small habits that support my mental health.
My routine includes:
- Yoga (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Writing in my gratitude journal
- 1-minute meditation (working toward 2 minutes)
- 1-minute visualization of having a good day
- Writing one sentence in my journal to rebuild my writing habit
My husband usually goes running or to the gym while I spend time journaling and doing yoga before the kids wake up.
Why Small Habits Matter
I’ve learned that small habits can slowly rebuild your confidence and mental clarity. Even writing one sentence a day helps me reconnect with something I love.
In many ways, I feel like I am starting over relearning things I once knew. Brain fog really affected me after having a hysterectomy. Sometimes when it comes to thinking something, I forget instantly.
I’m trying to rewire my brain and clear out the toxic stress that consumed me for years.
Final Reflection
Leaving social media wasn’t about disconnecting from the world. It was about reconnecting with myself.
For me, leaving social media created the space I needed to slow down, care for my mental health, and reconnect with the things I truly love.
