Entry 3 (Concluding Thoughts)

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 In conclusion, I found it difficult to stay off of social media for the few days I fasted it. I found myself using other apps I would not normally use as much, such as email and even certain games I had forgotten I had on my phone. I even found myself deleting certain messages and photos, just to pass the time while still being on my phone. What I was surprised I missed the most was going on Instagram. Even though I barely use it during the day, sometimes for as little as 15 minutes, I found myself missing looking at my friends feeds, what they were up to, what they were posting, what music they were listening to, etc. So many of my friends from high school, for example, tend to be out of state, so social media is a way for me to reach them from a distance. Surprisingly, what I missed the least was my most used social media app: TikTok. Even just getting back onto it after the fast, I was disappointed to be back on it again. I had so much built up anticipation to see the logo light up on my screen once more, only to be disappointed with the same flooding of content from just days before. While I do receive some fun and even funny content on there, I found most of the content, oddly enough, to be depressing and very negative. Just being off of it made me feel better during the day, and my anxiety felt lower, especially at night. 

I also feel I was more productive. I found a new book to start, and this time I actually started it. I also found myself talking to my family more, and even started baking and cooking in the kitchen. I ended up making homemade soup, and edible cookie dough! These are new habits I would love to start, (although maybe not so much of the sugary sweets.)

As a Christian, this fast was good for me, because I started reading my Bible more than I normally do. This is something I have been wanting to do for a while, something that I believe my excessive social media use limits me from doing. First, I found myself opening the Bible app a lot (since it is not technically a social media app!) Then, I found myself wanting to open my journaling bible instead! I got caught up on a devotional text I have been reading that I had neglected for several days, and felt better after not just reading the Bible, but reading in general. 

This blog has really encouraged me and actually made me want to stay off of social media. While I cannot say I would get rid of it completely, it really is making me consider getting off of TikTok completely. I have enjoyed some of my time using TikTok, and it is still a really popular app, but I really do not feel it is adding anything to my life. If anything, I noticed it fuels a lot of unnecessary insecurities and anxiety I have. I hope to continue these new habits of mine beyond this fast! 







Photo: My journaling bible and devotional entry from one of the days I was fasting. 





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