Hi, I’m Shaz. I’m a British Bengali mum of four living in the UK, and recently, I decided to take a proper break. Not just from my freelance hair and makeup work, but from something much bigger. I stepped away from social media completely for 30 days.
What started as a simple experiment turned into something that genuinely changed how I live. In this post, I want to share exactly what I did, what I noticed, and why I think everyone should consider doing the same.
The World of Noise
Before the break, my life felt noisy. As someone who worked in the beauty industry, I was constantly surrounded by products and pressure. There were always new trends, new releases, new ads. My phone became a non-stop feed of beauty, skincare and lifestyle content. Even when I wasn’t working, I couldn’t escape the pressure to consume.
Social media had crept into every part of my day. Whether I was cooking, sitting in the car, or unwinding at night, I found myself scrolling. And often, I didn’t even know why. It became automatic. It drained my energy, my time and even my mood.
The Decision to Disconnect
So I decided to delete all social media apps and games from my phone. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, everything. I even turned off all notifications. My phone became just a phone again.
I didn’t delete my accounts completely because some of them are linked to my business. But I made sure I couldn’t check them casually throughout the day. I wanted to see what life felt like without the constant digital pull.
What I Noticed Right Away
The first few days were strange. I kept reaching for my phone out of habit. My fingers would go to where the apps used to be, and I’d realise there was nothing to check.
That moment of pause made me realise how often I was reaching for my phone without any real purpose. It was eye-opening.
By the end of the first week, I felt calmer. My mind was quieter. I started noticing small things around me more. I was no longer filling every silent moment with noise.
More Time, More Presence
Without scrolling, I suddenly had more time. Proper time. Not the rushed kind that disappears before you’ve even enjoyed it.
I was going to bed earlier because I wasn’t doomscrolling at night. I read more. I had time to tidy up properly, sit down with a hot drink, even just breathe and think.
I became more present with my children. More available. Not just physically in the room but mentally engaged too. I had clearer conversations with my husband. I felt like I had more to give, just by being fully here.
How My Mood Shifted
Social media brings constant updates. Some entertaining, but many stressful. Bad news, unrealistic comparisons, curated perfection.
Once I stepped away, I noticed a shift in my mood. I wasn’t comparing myself to others. I wasn’t absorbing negative news every morning. I simply focused on what was in front of me.
The result? I felt more grounded. More content. I laughed more with my kids. I took walks and noticed nature again. Life felt softer.
The Power of Choice
I didn’t cut out all digital content. I kept YouTube, but only used it with intention. I listened to podcasts I enjoy. I watched videos that fed my mind or made me smile. No scrolling. Just choosing.
That was the difference. Choice. Not habit. Not distraction. Just mindful decisions.
My Phone Battery Lasted for Days
A surprising benefit? My battery life. Without apps running in the background, and with fewer taps and swipes, my phone started lasting two or even three days. It sounds small, but it reminded me how much I used to be glued to the screen.
Social Media At Arm’s Length
Even now, I haven’t reinstalled the apps. My accounts are still active, but I access them only when necessary for business or updates. And I use the desktop version, which makes it a more conscious task.
I no longer carry social media in my pocket. It no longer interrupts my day. It’s in its place. Not running my life.
Reclaiming My Life
This break showed me that life doesn’t need to be constantly shared to be meaningful. In fact, the quiet moments have become the most meaningful.
I feel like I’ve reclaimed my life to a certain extent. I have more time. More energy. More mental clarity.
And I don’t miss it. Not the scrolling. Not the ads. Not the pressure to keep up.
Will I Go Back?
Right now, I don’t plan to. Not in the same way. I might post occasionally or log in for something business-related, but the daily habit is gone. And I want to keep it that way.
I know it might not be realistic for everyone to delete everything. But even turning off notifications or setting limits can make a huge difference.
Would You Try It?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media, I really encourage you to try this. Even if it’s just for a week. Notice how you feel. Notice what comes up.
You might be surprised.
You might find, like I did, that a little digital silence makes room for the real moments that matter.
And if you do try it, let me know how it goes. You can leave a comment or send a message. I’d love to hear what changes for you.
Final Thoughts
Simple living doesn’t always mean big, dramatic changes. Sometimes it starts with just switching things off. Being more mindful. Slowing down.
This journey has reminded me that less really can be more. More presence. More peace. More life.
Thanks for being here and for reading this far. If you’re interested in simple living, minimalism and slowing things down in a world that never stops, I hope you’ll stick around. There’s more to come.
Take care,
Shaz
