7 Reasons to Take a Media Fast by: Maggie Brunson

Fasting, in the traditional sense, is choosing not to eat for a short time in order to focus on God and be spiritually renewed, but you can fast from things other than food. In today’s fast-paced and plugged-in society, taking a break from digital media for one day can be its own spiritual pilgrimage. Find out how with the 7 Reasons to Take a Media Fast below.

The boundaries you choose to set for a media fast will look different than someone else’s. Only you know what needs to be on your no-no list and for how long. For me, it’s Netflix, Youtube, and news sites; for others it may be Instagram, Wii, and texting. What you need a break from will differ, so today’s post isn’t about how you should go about a media fast—I’ll leave that up to you. I would like to share why it’s important to set up your own personal media fast for a time. So what will you gain from a media fast?

(Guest post by: Maggie Brunson)

1. Rest

Our brains need a break from the barrage of information and entertainment that we constantly throw at it. Oftentimes, the instant we get a moment to rest, we immediately plug in to some sort of digital media and that becomes our means of relaxation. Do you remember what it’s like to simply sit outside and listen to the wind, smell the air (hopefully you don’t live near cows), and actually not do anything? It’s quite relaxing. You should try it! Go on a walk, lay in a hammock, or clean up the yard. Vitamin D and some quiet time to think will do wonders for your mood.

2. Time to remember

Everyone has those pesky little tasks in the back of your mind that you’ve been meaning to accomplish for weeks. Well, on a media fast, you will have the time. Instead of watching a video or checking your newsfeed, you can finally knock those items off your list! It may not be the most exhilarating ten minutes of your life as you tighten the screw on that wobbly cabinet, but just think how satisfying it will feel when it’s finally finished and officially off your mind. That freed-up mind space is much more relaxing than ten minutes of Candy Crush.

3. Appreciation

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I may currently be in agony during my media fast from Netflix while I’m in the middle of finally watching Stranger Things, but just think how sweet that reunion will be when I find out what the heck happened to Will Byers?

When we spend time immersed in media out of habit, it offers little enjoyment. It’s more of a mind-numbing pastime. But when we’ve taken time away, media becomes fun to return to and is much more enjoyable.

4. YOLO

You Only Live Once, carpe diem, or whatever you choose to call it, there is biblical truth to the sentiment. (So long as you’re not using it as justification to jump naked into a frozen lake on a dare.) God tells us to “number our days” in Psalm 90 and to recognize that our time is finite and we should be using it wisely. We have one life and we should be aware of how we’re spending it.

Our time with media should be intentional, not habitual. When hours slip by surfing Wikipedia and only intended to be on for 20 minutes…that’s a good indicator it’s time for a break. It’s healthy to occasionally evaluate how you’re spending your time on media and having the self-control to set boundaries for yourself.

5. Humility

The news lately is disheartening to say the least. For my fellow chronic news checkers, I understand how it may feel like your duty to be a good informed citizen, constantly aware of the world’s happenings. I have alerts for multiple news sites on my phone, and with major things happening nationally and globally I feel an urgency to be connected with the latest information.

However, the world will not stop spinning simply because you aren’t aware of news for a day. Sometimes, we need to be humble and acknowledge that we aren’t in control. Just check it tomorrow. I’ll even give you a spoiler: It’s probably bad news! But seriously, there is peace in taking time with a sovereign God rather than focusing on how the world seems to be unraveling. It’s good to be informed, but not at the expense of your mental health. It’s ok to take breaks. Use those breaks to draw comfort from God who really is in control!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.“
– John 16:33

6. Deeper Friendships

Most conversations happen best in person. How many fights have started because someone mistook the tone in another’s text when really they just have poor punctuation? OR THEY JUST FORGOT TO TURN OFF CAPS LOCK? (It really happens. When my dad first started texting I thought he was angry at me for days.) That kind of miscommunication doesn’t happen as often in person. We can hear tone and see body language, which accounts for 38% and 55% of  total communication respectively.

Plus, those deep heart-to-heart conversations with people happen best in person when you grant someone your undivided attention. Instead of tweeting or Facebook stalking digitally, why not plan a time to meet up for a walk or coffee break? Conversations of substance take more than 150 characters. Media does help us to stay connected with friends, but don’t let it be the only way you connect with them. Be sure to invest time in a person as well.

7. Time to listen

Perhaps the greatest reason for a media fast is the chance to hear from God. It is my firm belief that God communicates to everyone, though some choose not to listen or are too busy listening to something else.

The fast-paced nature of internet makes us impatient for information. We grow accustomed to knowing something only seconds after wondering. We are not primed for waiting. In my experience, discerning what God is showing me takes time, just as a conversation with a friend takes time. I think the majority of us can safely say, we do not spend enough time with Jesus. If media is constantly filling your attention at every spare moment, how do you expect to hear what He is wanting to teach you? Set some boundaries, pick a day, log off, then wait and watch patiently for what the Lord will show you.

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
– Psalm 5:3

Thank you for reading the 7 Reasons to Take a Media Fast. An extra special thank you to my dear friend Maggie for preparing this guest blog in honor of my one year blog anniversary! For more tips and tricks on how to live a more simple, hygge-filled life, take a look at our latest content:

5 Reasons You Need to Slow Down
14 Day Beginner’s Guide to Living a Hygge Life
7 Tips to Create a Hygge Morning Routine
Hygge & Holy Spirit: A 15 Day Devotion Download

As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.

Love Always,