A Digital Detox, Slow Living, and Finding Joy in the Everyday

Taking a break from social media helped me reconnect with what I love — plant-based cooking, painting, baking sourdough, and slow living at home. Here's how this digital detox changed everything.

Have you ever wondered what might happen if you simply stepped back from social media?

This past month, I decided to find out.

As someone who shares a lot online — whether it’s plant-based recipes, wellness tools, or inspiration for women over 40 navigating midlife — I realized I was starting to feel overwhelmed. So, I chose to pause. No Instagram, no endless scrolling. Just space. A simple digital detox.

I’ll be honest — the first few days were a challenge. I felt like I was missing out. My fingers kept reaching for Instagram without thinking, a clear sign that it had become an unconscious habit. But then... a shift began.

I slowed down.I felt calmer. started reconnecting with the things that make me feel most alive.

More Time, More Presence

Without the digital noise, I found myself naturally spending more time in the kitchen. Cooking is something I truly love, and this break gave me the chance to offer private 1:1 plant-based cooking classes from home — something I’ve wanted to do for a while.

So far, I’ve taught how to make:

• Banana chocolate chip bread

• Spanish rice

• Gnocchi from scratch

• Blueberry crumble

The best part? I’m still in the comfort of my own home — cozy, grounded, and doing what I love.

If you're interested in learning easy, nourishing, plant-based recipes, feel free to reach out:📧 info@suzannesaleh.com

Many easy healthy plantbased recipes you make in my cooking classes.

Before we start a cooking class we share a delicious breakfast together.

Creative Sparks (Without the Scroll)

I also picked up my paintbrush again — and even my kids have joined me here and there. Painting together has brought such unexpected joy. I’ve started reading more too (finally!) and diving into the many books that have been waiting patiently on my shelf.

One of them was a book "To the Women" by Donna Ashworth — a beautiful read that spoke right to my heart. I came across a page titled “Wear the Breeze,” and it really stayed with me. It talked about how we don’t need to show skin or wear certain clothes to feel free — true liberation can be soft, flowing, colorful, and comfortable. That page inspired me and a friend to go fabric shopping, choose a print that felt like “us,” and get kaftans tailored. The fabrics were gorgeous and it felt like the most soulful kind of self-expression.

Fabric store in Bin Sougat Centre Dubai

Life at Home: Simple Pleasures & Sourdough Joy

We’ve even started playing chess at home — something small but surprisingly fun! And of course, my sourdough obsession continues. Lately, my cheese and jalapeño sourdough has become a regular request at home (photo below 😋). There’s something meditative about baking — watching dough rise and transform, with patience and care.

Oh, and a fun health update: I recently started using WHOOP, a fitness and recovery tracker. I’m still learning how to use it, but already it’s helping me tune into my sleep, recovery, and daily habits in a whole new way. I’m all about listening to your body in midlife, and tools like this feel helpful (when used intentionally).

Final Thoughts: Slowing Down to Reconnect

This break reminded me that slow living isn’t laziness — it’s presence. That I don’t need to be online to feel connected. That creativity, rest, and inspiration come naturally when we stop chasing and start listening.

I still love social media (and I’ll be back eventually). But for now? I’m loving this quiet season.

If you’re also feeling the pull to step back, even just a little — I encourage you to try. Spend a weekend without your phone. Pick up a hobby. Bake something. Read. Paint. Or simply do… nothing at all.

Let the breeze in. Keep the judgment out.As that book reminded me: that sounds pretty liberating.

Milo relaxing after a long walk

💌 Want to join me in the kitchen?

I’m still offering private plant-based cooking classes from home. If you’re ready to explore delicious and simple meals that support your health and hormones — email me at info@suzannesaleh.com.

Let’s cook, slow down, and nourish what matters most.