Why I Chose No Social Media Until 11 AM: And How It Changed Everything

A few months ago, I realized my mornings were not my own. The first thing I did when I woke up? Scroll. And not just a quick check, I was deep in the doomscroll, consuming content before my feet even hit the floor. Before 7 AM, my nervous system was already overloaded with news, opinions, and other people’s lives. I felt scattered, anxious, and unproductive.

Through my somatic work, I’ve learned how much external stimuli, especially social media, impacts our nervous system. Our brains aren’t designed to wake up and immediately absorb hundreds of pieces of information. So, I decided to make a change: no social media until 11 AM.

At first, it was hard. I reached for my phone out of habit. But once I committed to a realmorning routine (the 6 AM routine I shared [here]), everything shifted. Instead of scrolling, I now:

• Wake up slowly and check in with how I feel before the outside world tells me how I should feel.

• Move my body, even just a short walk or stretch.

• Drink water and eat breakfast before diving into work or responsibilities.

• Journal or plan my day with intention.

The result? My focus is sharper, my mood is lighter, and I actually get more done. Social media isn’t controlling my mornings anymore, I am.

Tips for Staying Off Social Media Until 11 AM:

1. Charge your phone outside the bedroom. No temptation first thing in the morning.

2. Replace scrolling with a new habit. Even just making coffee in silence helps.

3. Use “Do Not Disturb” mode. Set your notifications to stay off until 11 AM.

4. Remind yourself why. Keep a note by your bed: Social media can wait, your peace comes first.

5. Hold yourself accountable. Use a screen time tracker or tell a friend to check in on you.

Finding the self-discipline wasn’t about willpower, it was about noticing how much better I felt without social media in my mornings. And now? I’ll never go back.

If you’ve been feeling drained before the day even starts, try it. Reclaim your mornings, and see how it changes everything.

Xx, 

Shelby