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Social Media Detox – I Quit Instagram for 30 Days and Here’s What Happened

  • Writer: Neha Kumari
    Neha Kumari
  • Jul 15
  • 3 min read
Tired of Instagram burnout? Here’s what happened when I quit Instagram for 30 days — real thoughts, lessons, and why a detox might change your life too.
Tired of Instagram burnout? Here’s what happened when I quit Instagram for 30 days — real thoughts, lessons, and why a detox might change your life too.

In the morning, we continue reading through the reels, in the lunchtime, we review stories, and late in the evening, we respond to DMs.


Instagram no longer seems like an application, it is an activity and we use it in our routine, as a break, when we are bored and it is even who we are.


What does it happen when you quit?


I chose to discover.


That is why I stopped using Instagram or more so my smartphone and took a 30-days break on Instagram no scrolling, no stories, no likes, no notifications.


This is what occurred, and why I believe all should have at least one social media detox.


Week 1 The Withdrawal Hits Hard


It was… weird, the first number of days.


I still unlocked my phone automatically and then realized that there was nothing that I could be checking.


My fingers would automatically go towards where the Instagram app was. I had FOMO, I felt out of touch, somewhat anxious.


I understood annoyingly how dependent I had gotten towards experiencing validation all the time the likes, the responses, the dopamine.


Week 2: My Thoughts had begun to Decelerate


After two weeks something was different.


I began to feel less stressed out. I was not as bouncy in my head as I used to be. I was not contrasting myself to ideal bodies, exotic holidays and beautiful routines. I was no longer a consumer; I was simply just existing.


I did not rush through the day as I have been doing the past few months, and it was a great feeling.


Week 3: I Had More Time Than I Believed


Having nothing to do with reels and DMs to respond to, I suddenly all the time.

I read two books, began to make a journal every night and even returned to one of my old hobbies.


I even got into more meaningful conversations - the kind people use to have. I did not answer a story with an emoji, but literally called people I missed.


My energy was now diverted into things that really mattered.


Week 4: I Got My Control Back


After 30 days, there was a magic that occurred going into the end of that period -


I did not have to use Instagram anymore.


I did not feel a lack of stress to post, the desire and need to remain relevant, and the artificial urgency of notification.


I was present there. Peaceful. Powerful.


It was at last my own mind, and my own time, and my own emotions.


So… Did, I Return?


Yes - in other ways.


  • I re-downloaded the app, however, with restrictions.

  • Morning without scrolling

  • 30 minutes at most a day

  • Unfollowing those that made me jealous

  • Value, followed muted noise-

  • The issue is not Instagram since it is a convenient platform.

  •  The issue is the manner in which we allow it to dictate us.


In Conclusion


Are you experiencing burnout, nerves or just feeling overwhelmed with life online? Well try a detox.


You do not need to give up. However, several days, 7 or 14, might reset your mind and remind you about the truth that the real world is still out there, and it is beautiful.


You do not derive value in the number of people who follow you.


Decent relationships are not in your DMs.


And your actual life… should not have a filter.


📅 By News Anek Digital Desk | July 15, 2025



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