Considering a social media cleanse? Discover how taking a break from platforms like Instagram and TikTok might boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Learn signs it’s time to detox and tips for a successful cleanse.

Whether it’s Twitter or TikTok, you may have noticed endless scrolling leaves you feeling more on edge than entertained, more imperfect than informed, and def more crummy than chill.

So, if you’re considering a social media cleanse — taking a deliberate break from all social media channels — you’re in the right place! Logging out can help clear your head, dial downanxiety, and get bettersleep.

Here’s your ultimate guide to starting a social media detox.

What is a social media cleanse exactly?

If scrolling is taking over your mood and life, a social media cleanse allows you to break free ofonline platformsfor a certain period of time. Some folks log out for a day, while othersescapefor a week or month to detox from theirinternet habits.

Why do we need a break from selfies and cute dog videos? When it comes to social media, addiction is often a feature, not a bug.

Licensed professional counselorLeah Rockwell, LPC, LCPC, explains that these platforms activate the same part of the brain as otheraddictive behaviors. You get “littledopaminejolts” when you feel validated through likes, views, follows, and comments.

It’s no secret, butresearchalso notes social media isn’t great for yourmental health. Envy and FOMO, in particular, have been linked toanxiety and depression.

Experts still don’t knowhow muchsocial mediaaffects us or if it impacts some folks more than others. But stepping away can help you reset andreflecton how the apps you take tobed, thebathroom, and literallyeverywhereare affecting your physical andmental health.

Rockwell also says that ifsocial mediais bringing you down, you might benefit fromreducingsocial media use to set times (lunchbreak, anyone?) rather than slashing it entirely.

Signs it’s time for a social media detox

Rockwell says she’d recommend a social media cleanse to anyone noticing negative mood shifts related to checking their feeds.

Some signs that it’s time to step back:

What are the benefits of a social media detox?

A social media detox might sound like a slog, but odds are you’ll feel better pretty much immediately. In astudyof 68 college students, most reportedmental healthbenefits from cutting out social media — and only 25 percent of them avoided social media for more than 1 day.

Let’s dive into the potential physical and mental health perks.

How do you do a social media cleanse?

There’s no right or wrong way to break free from the Twitterverse (or any other social channel).

Whether you want to “detox” for a day or a week, here are some tips from Rockwell on easing into a social media cleanse:

Cool, but how do I return after getting off social media?

Ifyou want to go back to social media, do it on your own terms.

Before you dive back in, take a beat to reflect on your experience.

Maybe you’ll realize that Twitter just fuels your personal rage machine. Or maybe you missed following some of your favorite coworkers. Maybe you didn’t miss Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Maybe you really did. Knowledge is power, so use it!

Rockwell’s suggestion for designating certain times of day for social media works during and after reincorporating your favorite platforms. She says constraining your use to, say, your morningcoffeehour and yourlunchbreak can help you maintain focus and balance moving forward.