30 day No Social Media (Instagram ) Challenge. What I been currently learning.

If social media did not exist, what would you be doing with your precious time right now?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself as I’ve been on a no social media journey.

I have not completed my 30 day challenge yet but this is what has came to mind.

Things I’ve noticed/ learned about myself:

Decreased my intense exercise routines

Ok maybe they haven’t been as intense as other people may think but for me, running everyday from 2 miles to sometimes 11,12 miles was intense on my body. In addition to that I was trying to do 30 min Shaun T videos to tone my body but what it was really doing was helping me loose rapid weight and decreased my energy.

I still make it a habit to exercise every single day but now that includes walking barefoot at the beach, alternating with running about 1–3 miles (not everyday). Adding in a yoga video instead of only Shaun T insanity workouts. I been listening to my body but definitely making an effort to move for at lease 30min to an 1 hour every day.

It also made me think about how social media can play a huge toll on trying to catch up with the Jonases . When I was a regular on IG, I found myself scrolling on other social media accounts that were runners , some serious athletes and would start comparing myself with them. I would see they run 8 miles so I would push myself to run 10 . Although that sounds more motivating than not, it was really taking a toll on my body because like they say, what works for someone may not work for some or all.

Looking back I remember I would sometimes run for the wrong reasons to make a post instead because I truly wanted to better myself.

I’am more aware of my surroundings and being more present.

Not to say I was glued to my phone 100% when I had social media, but I shamefully confess it was greater than 50%. I would be checking my likes , comments, other people’s feeds. I wanted to know what other people were doing? And would go into this rabbit hole of looking down at my phone every moment I got when I was watching tv , at family gatherings, etc.

Now I feel more present when I’m with my family and even when I go on runs and walks. I sometimes walk without my ear phones too and I just put my phone in my running belt while I appreciate nature and human connection more.

I’ve become more productive

I have a different routine where I don’t go directly into my photo to check social media updates. Now I grab my phone in the morning to turn off the alarm and use a mantra / meditation app. I journal . I either exercise in the morning or later times to do other things that matter to me before I start my day.

I started writing more on my blog and other websites like this one .

I’ve also had more time to research other career avenues I have been interested in learning.

More time to read and listen to podcast

Before social media, yes I would read. But not as much as I read now. I have more time to read on websites of topics I’m interested in and read books I’ve been wanting to read. I have more time to listen to podcast while I’m walking or cleaning my house.

More time to focus on myself.

This has been the most important realization and value I have given myself during this time. I’ve been learning to love myself more and find out what I like and want out of my life. For the first time in a long time, I been feeling excited. Excited to start learning new skills I had been ignoring while doing other things I wasn’t truly interested in.

In addition, my faith has got stronger too.I been having more time to pray,reflect and learn from my spiritual beliefs. I truly believe faith is what has given my the strength to keep going and remain optimistic.

I will leave you with this quote that came to mind : “Nothing changes, if nothing changes”- uknown. How will you grow when you don’t make any changes in your life? They don’t have to be drastic. Small steps can help. Whatever it is. Be proud of yourself for taking initial steps to get started.

I will keep you posted when I finish my 30 day challenge no social media challenge. Be good to yourselves friends.