First of all, deleting my Facebook account has been one of the most liberating decisions I’ve made in recent years. Without the constant flood of other people’s curated lives filling my feed, I have more time to engage in things that genuinely fulfill me. I’m reading more, going to bed with a clearer mind, and waking up feeling more refreshed. I feel lighter, and honestly, more connected to my life.

Looking back, I realize that Facebook was actually making me feel lonelier than I really am. It’s ironic, considering the whole platform is designed to keep us “connected.” But scrolling through endless posts of people seemingly living their best lives—attending events, going on trips, spending time with friends—it had the opposite effect on me. It was like a constant reminder of what I wasn’t doing, what I didn’t have, and how much more “fun” or “fulfilled” everyone else seemed to be. Facebook often left me feeling down, disconnected, and frankly, depressed.

In stepping away from all of that, I’ve realized that what I need isn’t more social comparison or digital connection, but more time spent focusing on creating a life that is simple and meaningful for me. My life already has a degree of simplicity, and I want to nurture that even more. I’m studying and working toward personal goals, and I’ve started incorporating short daily exercise routines into my study schedule. It’s a small change, but even a few minutes of movement every day has made me feel more grounded and focused. I’ve also removed toxic relationships that were draining me. Now, I feel I can focus on myself and the few, genuinely supportive connections that matter.

Another crucial realization I’ve had is about the nature of control—or rather, the lack of it. Yes, there are terrible things happening in the world, and for a long time, I found myself getting consumed by that. Whether it’s doomscrolling through the news or getting caught up in conversations about issues far beyond my influence, it was feeding my anxiety and leaving me feeling helpless. I need to stay informed, but I have zero control over most of those problems. And while caring about the world is important, I’ve learned that I can’t fix everything. Trying to carry the weight of global issues is futile and harmful to my mental well-being. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that anxiety often comes from living in the past or worrying about the future. It pulls us out of the present, and that’s when we start to feel overwhelmed.

What has been transformative for me is learning to live in the now. By focusing on the present moment, I feel less anxious and more at peace. The world may be chaotic, but I don’t have to internalize that chaos. Living this way is also better for our brains. Neuroscience supports this idea. When we constantly engage with stressors or thoughts about things we can’t control, we keep our brain’s threat system activated. Specifically, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats and triggering the fight-or-flight response—gets overstimulated. When this happens, it becomes harder to process new information, learn effectively, and think clearly. The brain can become stuck in survival mode, always scanning for threats, leading to chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout.

However, when we focus on being present, our brain operates in a calm and centered state. The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for logical thinking, planning, and decision-making—works better when not constantly overshadowed by the amygdala. The result is we learn more easily, make better decisions, and approach challenges with a growth mindset. By stepping away from the digital noise and focusing on living more intentionally in the present, we allow our brains the space they need to function optimally.

For me, it’s not just about quitting social media and cutting out negativity. I’m more trying to create a healthier, sustainable way of living, both mentally and physically. The more I prioritize a simpler, quieter life, the more I realize just how much I was missing out on when I was constantly plugged into a system that thrives on distraction, comparison, and anxiety.

I’m not advocating for anyone to follow in my footsteps, but I do think it’s worth considering how much mental space we give to things that don’t serve us.

#StayPresent
#WellnessJourney
#SocialMediaBreak
#HealthyMindset
#IntentionalLiving
#SelfCare
#AnxietyRelief
#Neuroscience
#Wellness