Digital Fasting: How Cutting Distractions Helped Me Create More

Less than three weeks from now, Ramadan will begin—a time of fasting, reflection, and renewal.

But fasting isn’t just about food. In a world overloaded with digital distractions, maybe what we need most is a fast from mindless consumption.

A few months ago, I deleted my Instagram account and removed all social media apps from my phone.

It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Not because I dislike social media—but because it was stealing my focus. Instead of creating, I was consuming. Instead of thinking, I was reacting. Instead of deep work, I was doomscrolling.

As Cal Newport writes in Digital Minimalism:

I thought I needed social media to stay informed, connected, and relevant. But in reality, it was keeping me stuck in a cycle of endless distraction.

🔹 Less scrolling, more writing – Without social media, I had more time and mental clarity to publish daily.
🔹 More focus, less noise – My attention span improved. I could sit with ideas instead of constantly switching between apps.
🔹 The biggest shift? Energy. – Consuming passively drained me. Creating actively energized me.

Now, I use social media intentionally—only for specific purposes, on my own terms. And I spend way more time on what actually matters: writing, thinking, and meaningful conversations.

As Ramadan approaches, I’m considering another digital fast—this time, a structured break from all unnecessary distractions. A chance to go even deeper into focus, reflection, and intentional creation.

📌 Today’s Atomic Essay

💬 Your Turn

What’s one digital habit you’d like to cut back on?

I’d be glad to hear, reply to this email or comment below!

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♻️ Repost to help others break free from distractions.
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Thanks for reading!

Selim