Media Fasting Tips

View fasting as a response to God

Don’t think about fasting as limiting your access or denying yourself time with media. Instead, view it as a time of special focus on communing with God through prayer, reading and meditating on his Word and seeking his will. Frequently, you’ll substitute the time you would spend on media, doing these activities instead. Instead of growing closer to Instagram, Facebook, or fantasy sports leagues, you’ll grow closer to the God who made you.

Identify a spiritual focus (or two) for your fast

Pray about your relationship with God over the past six months. Is there a discipline you’ve been neglecting? Is there something new you’ve wanted time for? Pick one or two specific areas of focus to add into your daily routine. Examples include:

  • Participating in the church’s daily devotional.
  • Praying more frequently or about specific aspects
    of your life.
  • Starting (or re-starting) a spiritual discipline routine.
  • Reading or meditating through a book of the Bible.
  • Spending intentional time with your family or friends.

Identify a media focus (or two) for your fast

Decide your limits for media usage, the types of media you will limit, and the steps you’ll take to enact your decisions. Pick one or two specific areas of focus to remove from your daily routine. Examples include:

  • No internet video after 6pm.
  • Reduce time on social media to one hour a day.
  • Log out of media accounts you don’t plan to access.
  • Use device functions like parental controls and ‘do-not-distrub’ to aid you in adhering to your limits.

Replace it with something better

After finishing with your scheduled focus time and adding in spiritual disciplines, you may still have additional free time. Make a list of things you enjoy doing and keep it someplace that’s easy to access. Examples include:

  • Play a board game or start a puzzle.
  • Start a new bible study or bible reading plan.
  • Make a prayer journal and write in it whenever you are tempted to grab your phone or watch TV.
  • Trying cooking or baking a new (or old) recipe for fun.
  • Visit the library and check out a few books.
  • Try a new hobby.
  • Call a friend or relative you haven’t talked to recently.
  • Do some physical activity (like taking a walk).
  • Clean and organize cluttered spaces.
  • Write an encouraging note to someone you care about.
  • Invite friends over to hang out, have dinner, or play a game.