Scroll Detox: My First Seven Days of Living Unplugged..

This past week, I took the leap and started this social media detox...

If you don't know what I am talking about I recommend first reading my blog post that describes what it is and why it is that I am doing this detox.  You can read that here: https://www.livingachampionlife.com/blog/40daysNoScrollDetox.  

So far, it’s been both liberating and eye-opening. The moment I logged out and deleted my apps, I immediately noticed the familiar urge to check my phone—countless times, I found myself reaching for it, driven by habit. It was a stark reminder of just how ingrained these platforms had become in my daily life. But with each day that passed, I felt lighter, more focused, and more in tune with my thoughts.

I knew I was ready for this. The tipping point came on our son’s 20th birthday last week, when I realized that I felt guilty for not posting about it. As a 20 year old college kid, he couldn’t care less if I shared it with the world, but I felt an odd sense of shame for not doing so—almost as if my love or pride needed to be publicly validated. A week later, just yesterday actually, I had the same feelings resurface when our daughter played her first college lacrosse game. Again, I felt that tug, the urge to post, the pressure to share her achievement with everyone. It was a real moment of clarity for me: why did I feel like these special moments weren’t enough unless they were broadcasted? I realized how deeply social media had shaped my thinking, making me believe that memories only held meaning if they were shared. But these moments are for us, not the world, and letting go of that pressure was a huge step.

Without the constant barrage of notifications, I began to feel more present. I found myself enjoying simple moments—sitting outside, noticing the changing seasons, chatting with neighbors, and reflecting on my own thoughts. There’s something beautiful about boredom. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I allowed myself to just be. I am discovering that by embracing boredom, and sitting with it quietly in a disconnected space is exactly where I need to be right now.

This detox isn’t without its challenges, though. Social media has become a crutch for so many of us—whether to distract from our own discomfort or to escape into someone else’s curated life. I realized that our addiction to constant information and updates is overwhelming, and stepping away from it feels like reclaiming my own mind. It’s been humbling, but also empowering, as I remember what it feels like to create, to think, and to breathe without the noise.

By the end of the week, I noticed something unexpected: I had more energy for real, meaningful connections. I’m reaching out to old friends and staying connected to family more. I am thinking about writing letters, and setting up coffee dates or campfires with those I love. Overall, I am feeling more attuned to the moments that truly matter.

It’s been a week, and already I can feel the shift—a return to a simpler, more intentional way of living. This journey is just beginning, but if the first seven days are any indication, I’m excited to see what more lies ahead.

Stay tuned as I'll be updating here at least once a week from the "wild" otherwise know as the unplugged world.

Love, Coach Stacey xoxoxo