Reclaiming Peace: My Social Media Detox and How It Changed My Life

Strawberry picking and a glass of refreshing Cretan Rosé—perfect pairings for a beautiful day 🍓🍷

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, opinions, and distractions that social media brings. A little over a month ago, I made a decision that would completely change my perspective: I took social media off my phone. What started as an experiment—dubbed Not So Dry July—has evolved into a transformative journey of reclaiming my peace, focusing on what truly matters, and reconnecting with myself.

The Need for a Change: For years, I found myself getting lost in the noise. The endless scroll, the drama, the arguments, and the overwhelming amount of content—much of which was often divisive and negative—began to feel like a weight on my shoulders. Beyond that, the constant exposure to harmful cycles of racism, white supremacy, and the silencing of marginalized voices made me realize how deeply social media can contribute to societal divisions. The algorithm rewards outrage, and it amplifies voices that perpetuate hate. It felt draining to witness, let alone engage with.

I knew I needed a break. It wasn’t about rejecting social media completely, but about carving out space to breathe, to think, and to focus on what was truly important to me—my health, my relationships, and the impact I want to have in the world.

The Shift: At first, it felt strange. I kept reaching for my phone out of habit. But after a few days, I began to notice a shift. The pull of constant updates started to fade. I began to feel free. This freedom didn’t just come from the absence of distractions—it came from the space I created to reconnect with my own life.

I had time to do things I’d been putting off for months: unpacking from a recent vacation, cooking nourishing meals, making important appointments. And perhaps most importantly, I felt present. Without the pull of notifications or the pressure to stay connected at all times, I could engage fully in the moments that truly mattered. I could finally focus on the conversations with my loved ones, pay attention to my body, and embrace the simple joys of life.

Experiencing the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea in Bodrum, Turkey—where crystal-clear waters meet stunning coastal views 🌊☀️

The Greece Experience: During this time of reflection, I also traveled to Greece, and the experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Greece, though economically modest, is rich in community, connection, and simplicity. The lifestyle was in stark contrast to the hustle and pressure of modern-day capitalism in the U.S. where so much focus is placed on consumption, productivity, and division.

In Greece, people may not have much in terms of material wealth, but they are rich in relationships and shared experiences. Meals aren’t rushed; they’re a time to connect, to share, to slow down. Eating together is an event that can last hours, a stark contrast to the way we often eat on the go or alone in our busy lives.

The food was an experience in itself—fresh, vibrant, and free from additives or preservatives. I picked strawberries straight from the field, enjoyed vegetables from local gardens, and experienced flavors as colorful and pure as the produce itself. It was a reminder of how disconnected we are from real, whole food and the nourishment it offers.

The Value of Disconnecting: What I learned from both my social media detox and my time in Greece is that we don’t need to be constantly plugged in to make an impact. We don’t need to let the chaos of the world dictate our peace. By stepping away, I found that I could be more grounded, more present, and more intentional in everything I did.

This experiment in unplugging wasn’t about escaping from the world—it was about reconnecting with the things that truly matter. It was about slowing down, embracing the real connections around me, and choosing peace over noise. I realized that stepping away from social media didn’t mean I was losing touch with the world; in fact, it helped me gain a clearer, more authentic perspective on what’s important.

Conclusion:

Taking this break from social media has given me a new sense of clarity, calm, and focus. It has reminded me of the value of presence—both in my own life and with the people around me. I’ve learned that we have the power to reclaim our peace, to tune out the noise, and to focus on what’s truly important.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and distractions, I encourage you to try it. Take a break. Step back. See how it feels to be present without the constant pull of social media. You might be surprised by how much more you can connect with yourself and the world around you when you give yourself permission to unplug.