In a culture where constant connectivity is king, the idea of digital fasting might seem both strange and intimidating. As Holy Week (traditionally a time for reflection, sacrifice, and renewal) approaches, there’s a question worth pondering: What would happen if we forsook our phones for a few days?
As some of us have our own ways of fasting (no meat on Fridays or no fancy coffee for a month), what if we also abstained from social media, bottomless reels, and endless scrolling?
This practice, known as digital fasting, is an activity gaining traction all over the world. And for many Filipino families, Holy Week might be the perfect time to give it a try.
Digital fasting is the practice of reducing or completely renouncing the use of digital devices for a set period, especially social media, entertainment apps, and everything else that breeds unnecessary screen time.
This is not about permanently logging off; this is simply about creating a temporary space to breathe, to reflect, and to be present.
Why Digital Fasting Matters (Especially on Holy Week)
To Be More Present With Your Faith
Done right, Holy Week is one of the most important occasions in the Christian calendar. Christ’s resurrection is the crux of the Christian faith. We even carved out several days to reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But how can we separate this special time from the humdrum of our everyday life if we just keep doing the same things, like constantly checking Facebook or watching TikTok?
When we fast from digital distractions, we give ourselves the chance to truly feel the season. We can read the Bible without being interrupted. We can attend church services and special activities without the interruptions of a notification. We can pray in silence.
Faith requires attention, and attention is something we’ve unconsciously surrendered to the altar of our screens.
To Reconnect With Family
How many times has your family gathered during meals, but each person was silently scrolling on their phone? We barely even notice it anymore. But what if, for one week, we all agreed to put our gadgets down during meals, conversations, and bonding time?
Digital fasting provides us the opportunity to spend time with family attentively – talking, playing board games, doing things together, or even just sitting in silence with one another. Connections deepen when we are truly with each other, not just physically but emotionally, mindfully, and purposely.
To Discover Who You Are Without the Noise
Without constant input from social media, something amazing happens: the noise of the world quiets down, and we start hearing our thoughts more clearly. When we stop consuming the world’s output, we become more aware of our emotions, our needs, and even our dreams.
This can be powerful, even life-changing.
People who have tried digital fasting report feeling calmer, more creative, and more grateful. Sleep becomes more rewarding, anxiety tapers off, and they become more in tune with their inner life. It shouldn’t come as a surprise; when noise dies down, peace has room to grow.
How to Do a Digital Fast
You don’t have to be an expert or even religious to try digital fasting. Here’s a simple guide that even a teenager can follow:
Step 1: Decide on the Duration
For Holy Week, you could choose to start on Palm Sunday and end on Easter Sunday. Or maybe you want to begin on Maundy Thursday and break the fast on Black Saturday? Even just 3 days is a great start.
Step 2: Set Clear Boundaries
This is not the time to be ‘sponty’. Nail down exactly what you’re fasting from. Ambiguity breeds confusion, and confusion is the enemy of discipline. Examples:
- No social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok).
- No YouTube or Netflix.
- No video games.
- Only use your phone for calls or emergencies.
You can even delete apps temporarily or turn off notifications if you find yourself struggling.
Step 3: Tell People
Let your friends and family know. The reason is twofold: first, they won’t wonder why you’re not replying right away, and second, it helps keep you accountable.
Step 4: Replace, Don’t Just Remove
An empty stomach growls, and idle hands become restless. Fasting works best when you replace the habit with something meaningful:
- Read a book you’ve been eyeing or come up with a specific plan for reading the Bible. Maybe all the Gospels or a guided study of a subject that interests you.
- Journal your thoughts and prayers.
- Walk around your neighborhood.
- Visit your friends’ churches.
- Talk with your parents or siblings.
Step 5: Don’t Forget to Reflect
When your end-of-fast comes, ask yourself:
- How did it feel to be offline?
- Did you grow closer to God or your family?
- What habits do you want to continue?
You might be surprised by how much better life feels without being constantly online.
Digital fasting isn’t about punishment – it’s about freedom. Paired with an opportune occasion, it's a modern way to live out the ancient call to sacrifice and renewal. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.
So this Holy Week, instead of posting about your reflections, live them. Instead of watching others' lives, reconnect with your own.
Because sometimes, the best way to find yourself is by logging out.