Social media was killing my soul, so I learned how to tame it

Right after summer, I started feeling really overwhelmed by the sheer amount of noise and drama on social media.

As a consumer, I was constantly binge-watching random content and as a creator, I only wanted to go viral.

I had been brainwashed by society to believe that the loudest is always the best when in reality some of the smartest people working on the most amazing projects are usually quiet and behind the scenes.

I soon realized this approach wasn't sustainable, so I decided to take a break and revisit my values and goals.

After some introspection, I choose to make a big change and stopped checking social media on a daily basis.

I downloaded some chrome extensions and apps to help me limit my internet use. I only use the web version of each app once every week to reply to comments and check my DMs.

Now I understand that you're either distracted or focused, and unfortunately, distracted people don't get to create truly valuable work that lasts.

It's finally time to let go of my addiction to these apps and swap it for other "slow" activities like reading books or going for tech-free walks.

At the bottom of it all, I was terrified of the idea of sitting still with my own thoughts. I knew that If I did so I would have to come to terms with some existential dilemmas.

I was also scared of getting crippled by boredom.

My brain was used to constant stimulation and I suspected I would have a really hard time without those quick dopamine rushes.

And I was right, it was hard.

But after doing some research I discovered that brain chemicals slowly adjust to any situation.

Your brain chemistry will adjust as it detects more and more levels of peace and the little things will become more beautiful to you.

You will begin to appreciate life much more.

Give it time, don't rush and things will become much more satisfying.

I still struggle with this to this day but now I'm aware of my issues, therefore I can manage them better.

A day without distractions is a very long day.

It's amazing how beautiful my days are now that I appreciate even the smallest things like an early-morning sunbeam passing through my bedroom window.

I encourage you to block out some time first things in the morning to get your most important or creative work done or design a schedule where you get to do some deep work on certain days.

Great love and respect!

P.S: Deep Work by Cal Newport visual book summary coming soon!