In a world addicted to constant stimulation, from social media to video games and dating apps, many speak about detoxing, yet few acknowledge the struggle of living in monk mode once you’ve eliminated these same apps
I thought it wise to take that route. For me, it was important. I knew I needed a reset—something that would finally allow me to declutter my mental space.
“Social media, off you go,” I vividly recall saying with my thumb set on the icon. My hand was shaking as my mind bargained for just a little more time with the app.
I had one simple task delete the app and keep my sanity
at the back of my head I knew I was entering into the territory of the unknown (Unfamiliarity) something the brain doesn’t take pride in.
Alas! I managed to delete the app. It was uncomfortable at first, but after eliminating what I thought was the enemy, I was convinced my productivity would skyrocket. Hours of boredom later, I realized that enemy had little power. The real enemy had been lurking all along, and it was me.
I’m sure you’ve encountered a book titled the mountain is you, if you haven’t I highly recommend. The core message in this fine piece of writing is; the biggest obstacles in our lives aren’t external forces but our own unresolved habits, fears and emotional patterns.
For me deleting social apps felt like a means to an end, I thought separating myself from algorithm trends would push me to being productive. Day 1 was hard, day 2 worse, my dopamine levels were slowly shooting to zero.
If you’re quite versed in matters habit science, you know that a habit should be replaced with another that provides a similar level of excitement. But I didn’t replace any habit, I just sat myself glued to self-help videos hoping it would fill the void. My willpower was slowly running out on gas, what was I to do? Install the apps again or just pretend everything was okay?
The self help/ toxic positivity community are always the first to rant how you can reshape your life by taking a detox but that’s better said on paper, in the real world taking a break with no proper structure or system is more of a bend or break situation.
You cannot function on willpower alone if the issue at hand is related to dopamine, it’s somehow similar to a doctor administering Panadol to a bhang patient.
Habit Replacement
Replacing a habit isn’t a smooth ride as well, it only gets easier with time. Habits work in a simple loop: a cue triggers a craving, which leads to a response, and ultimately gives a reward. To turn over a new leaf habit-wise, you first need to identify the triggers that lead to a particular habit (the cue). Once you know what sets the habit in motion, you can consciously choose a different response that still satisfies the same craving
For example, if stress makes you reach for snacks, the craving is comfort. Instead of giving in to the old habit, you could take a short walk, drink water, or listen to music, the point is something that gives a similar feeling of relief or satisfaction.
Over time, repeating this new approach helps your brain form a new pathway, gradually replacing the old habit with a healthier one. In modern science we call it neuroplasticity.
The key is consistency and patience. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but by understanding your habit loops and deliberately inserting new, positive responses, you can reshape your routines and create lasting, healthier habits.
As for me even with social media off my phone I could intrinsically feel something was missing. How I wish I had this piece of information back then maybe I’d have made an informed decision. I’ve seen people venture into self sabottaging habits in the name of trying to better themselves. Bettering yourself also needs a system and that’s why I bought this into writing.
Atomic habits by James Clear might be your next read if you intend to make habits work in your favour. Again this is not an affiliated article meant to promote other’s books, it’s me highlighting what has benefited me in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you’re the type that thinks going off social apps is a cure to boredom or procrastination then you’re in for a ride. Social media isn’t the enemy, you are. As soon as you realize the mountain is you the better it becomes to find answers.
Reference: The Habit Replacement loop
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This is actually Mindful and impacting.
A masterpiece!!