Although I enjoyed social media as a creative outlet, by the end of May this year, I realized I needed a break. I felt disconnected from what truly fulfilled me—spending quality time with people, having meaningful conversations, limiting screen time, and dedicating more time to physical activity. I was putting a lot of effort into building an online community, hoping it would lead to stronger real-life connections and interest in my future retreats and events. Along the way, I realized I should, instead, focus more on building those relationships face-to-face—attending live events, grabbing drinks with new people, and connecting in person. I had a moment of clarity: why was I relying on the online route to achieve something offline when I could just start offline and already get a real taste of what I truly wanted?

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So, I decided to take a three-month break from all social media—no logging in, checking DMs, posting, liking, or scrolling. I had no set expectations; it could become a permanent change or simply a chance to reassess. Now, three months later, here’s what I’ve learned…

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1. Going cold turkey was easier than easing off

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I found quitting social media entirely to be much easier than I expected. Previously, when I set time limits on my apps, I rarely stuck to them, often hitting the "another 15 minutes" or "skip for today" button, which made me feel like an addict. Surprisingly, going cold turkey removed all temptation. Sharing my decision to go offline helped me feel more accountable and eased the guilt (I know, kind of weird) of not engaging with others’ content.

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2. Real-life relationships get stronger

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We often end up talking to friends, family, or business contacts mainly through social media. While it’s a quick way to stay connected, relying on likes, comments, and DMs can feel a bit shallow. Without those updates, I found myself reaching out more to people I care about. Plus, there’s something special about receiving personal (holiday) photos and stories directly, rather than seeing a generic post. I also found that I was more present when I spent time with people in real life, since it was much easier to keep my phone out of sight.

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3. I felt much more relaxed and present

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Deleting social media freed up so much mental space. Almost immediately, I had more energy and improved focus and attention to detail. It was a relief to escape the constant stream of content dictating what to like, dislike, wear, eat, and how to run my business. I also noticed I wasn’t comparing myself to others as much — something that frequently happens without even realizing it. Online, it often seems like everyone is doing amazing things and looking gorgeous 24/7. Even though you know that isn’t true, disconnecting helped me realize that people in real life are simply... normal. It gave me a deeper reality check—knowing is different from truly seeing and experiencing it. Not feeling pressured to constantly create content to keep my profiles updated was incredibly freeing too.

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4. It freed up a lot of time

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Without social media as a distraction, I faced boredom more often—but that turned out to be a good thing. It prompted me to be more intentional with my time. I ended up learning German on Duolingo again and making great strides with that, along with reading more books, and cooking more often. Even watching a movie or documentary became more engaging, as I was fully present instead of scrolling and half-watching.

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5. The world seems a little crazy

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When you disconnect from your phone, you begin to notice how many others are still glued to their screens. You see many people busy creating content (especially here in Bali), lounging on a beautiful beach but scrolling instead of enjoying the view, or getting caught up in taking the perfect portrait or selfie.

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It’s clear how easy it is to lose track of time focusing on others’ lives rather than our own. During my social media break, I found it refreshing to refocus on living in the present.

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It also stood out how big a role Instagram plays in our society. When I met new people, they wanted to connect on Instagram to stay in touch, and businesses often directed me to their social media for more details instead of a website. I found myself going back to exchanging phone numbers and suggesting that we simply text. However, when I mentioned I was on a digital detox, people seemed to love the idea but felt they couldn’t imagine doing without it themselves. It’s a bit sad, especially when some seemed to really need it as well.

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6. The longer you stay away, the less you want it back

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I discovered that the longer I stayed off social media, the less I cared whether the break extended to a few more weeks, months, or even became permanent. At some point, it felt less like something I was resisting and more like something I could either take or leave.

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7. No social media did impact my business

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Quitting social media as an entrepreneur had its downsides, but I also recognize that it highlighted a potential lack of creativity on my part. Technology, the internet, and social media are deeply woven into our lives and offer real benefits for running a business, learning, and sharing information. There are countless online opportunities and freelance gigs that wouldn’t exist without them. I used social media as my primary marketing tool and struggled to find alternative ways to connect with potential clients. I’m still working on figuring out the best approach.

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So, what’s next? Have I slipped back into old habits?

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Since my three-month social media break ended, I’ve only logged into Instagram a few times. I’ve decided to make my break from TikTok permanent since it kept me endlessly scrolling, and I’m not interested in going back.

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With Instagram, I’ve found it easy to slip back into old habits. For instance, I was excited to share my pregnancy news with friends and business contacts, but I noticed the urge to check who liked or commented on my posts was still strong. I ended up checking more often than I intended. On the other hand, I’ve lost interest in sharing daily Instagram stories and don’t feel compelled to watch others’ either.

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For now, I plan to keep Instagram and start sharing about my business again. I will approach it quite relaxed, though—I don't work with content calendars, and I don’t force myself to post a certain number of times per week. To manage my usage (no more than 30 minutes a day), I’ve moved the app off my screensaver. It now takes a few extra steps to access, which helps me stay mindful.

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If you’re thinking about taking a social media break, I say go for it!

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It might be challenging at first, but the benefits—more focus, deeper connections, and a better sense of well-being—are worth it. Whether you try it for a few weeks or a few months, you might find that stepping back helps you reconnect with what really matters in your life. Give it a shot—you might be pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it can be.

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And while you’re on that break, make sure to check out The Foundation. This program helps you add a dose of playfulness to your daily routine—right here and now, without screens. Many people miss excitement in their lives and wish to feel more inspired. They seek more adventure and spontaneity in their day-to-day. This challenge shows that it’s much easier than you think to get excited about work, life, and relationships by cultivating a playful mindset and creating more space for creative exploration.