The Media Fast

[Timothy Ross]

Social Media Fasting for a Week Reduces Depression by 25 Percent | The Epoch Times

 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/social-media-fasting-for-a-week-reduces-depression-by-25-percent-5959468?&utm_source=MB_article_paid_f&utm_campaign=MB_article_2026-02-07-ca&utm_medium=email&est=rqnnpcAQNME0iSGe95XtZ0jtJ9VwjxWgHkRHT2W%2FnAOH0glKOe1fksaG4kiwluHMWk%2F2&utm_content=health-news-2

 

"Cutting social media use to just 30 minutes a day can reduce depression symptoms by nearly 25 percent in young adults within a single week, research suggests."

 

“diversify their portfolio” by engaging in real-world activities beyond social media

 

 

Reducing Screen Time

“When it comes to the concept of a digital detox, it is important to also recognize that electronic screens are a reality in the day-to-day life of most young adults,” Sovec said. He advises parents to have open, honest conversations about their concerns over excessive use and to collaborate with their child on creating a screen-use plan.

Sovec recommends the following practical strategies:

• Start by cutting screen time by 25 percent for everyone in the household.
• Avoid phone use for one hour before bedtime.
• Try a screen-free hour after school and fill it with activities involving friends or family, such as visiting a park or reading together.
• Choose one day each week to take a complete break from screens.
• Spend time outdoors or engage in face-to-face game nights.

He said that such interactions can help create relaxing experiences and social connections, serving as a way to calm the mind and feed the spirit.

 

 

Reading through the list, they did not mention this site www.ImprovingFutures.ca  so keep reading, also they did not mention YouTube, so enjoy our channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TimRossWire  and no mention of our radio show , so enjoy https://www.spreaker.com/user/timothy-ross--6808023 and Linked In was not mentioned , lots of options there www.TimothyRoss.ca  or https://www.linkedin.com/in/omegastewardship/

 

Fasting - The Call for February 2026, Feb 2 to 22nd, Prayer & Fasting 

 

 

Search results  .... 

 

Christian fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food (and sometimes drink) for spiritual purposes, such as drawing closer to God, seeking guidance, repentance, or strengthening prayer. Rooted in the Bible—modeled by Jesus and the early church—it is a discipline to subdue the flesh and focus on spiritual growth. Common practices include one-day, three-day, or partial fasts (like the Daniel Fast), often observed during Lent. 

Key Aspects of Christian Fasting

• • Purpose: Primarily to humble oneself before God, not to manipulate a divine response, and to gain spiritual strength.
  • Types of Fasts:
     
  • Normal Fast: No food, only water.
  • Absolute Fast: No food or water (usually short-term).
  • Partial Fast: Omitting specific foods (e.g., Daniel Fast: no meat, sweets, or alcohol) or eating only during certain hours.
  • Non-food Fast: Abstaining from things like technology or intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:5).

• Biblical Examples: Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Others include Moses, Elijah, Esther, and the early church (Acts 13:2).

• When to Fast: Often practiced during Lent (especially Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), during times of spiritual crisis, or to seek direction.

• How to Fast: Jesus taught that fasting should be private, not for show (Matthew 6:16-18). It should be accompanied by prayer and, as noted in Isaiah 58, accompanied by works of justice and charity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Considerations

• Safety: The body should be prepared and broken from a fast gradually, especially after a 21-day fast, starting with light soups or fruit.
• Heart Attitude: The focus should be on repentance and seeking God, rather than just the physical act of skipping meals. 

 

 

For more information, you can visit Desiring God, C.S. Lewis Institute, and Cru.org for guides. 

 

 

[Timothy Ross]

I am fasting potato chips, did a search to see what was out there, interestingly there is a special chip that you can eat when you are fasting, ai misunderstood my question, lots of love. 

 

For those that do not share my fasting of potato chips this info is for you :

 

 

Fasting potato chips, commonly known as Farali chips or vrat chips, are a specially prepared, crispy, and savory snack designed for Hindu fasting periods like Navratri or Ekadashi. They are made by slicing potatoes (often Indori potatoes for higher starch and crispness) and frying them in oil. 

Key Characteristics and Ingredients:

• Seasoning: They use rock salt (sendha namak) and sometimes black pepper (kalimirch) or other spices instead of regular salt, as regular salt is avoided during fasting.
• Preparation: They are generally deep-fried until golden brown, though healthier options include air-fried or baked versions.
• Usage: These chips are commonly eaten during religious fasts to provide an energy boost (approx. 536 Kcal/100g).
• Variety: They can be made with regular potatoes or sweet potatoes. 

Available Products:

• 90's MILL Fast Falahari/Farali/Falhari Aloo Wafers: Various sizes ranging from 250g to 1kg, commonly available on Amazon.
• Getmart Ready to Fry Homemade Potato Chips: 100g pack of sun-dried, vegetarian chips.
• Vinayak Fasting Potato Chips: 400g pack.
• Sartaj Plain Potato Chips (Farali Chips): 100g pack.
• Haldiram's Navratra Delight: Contains a mix of items including aloo chips. 

Dietary Notes: While these are often marketed as "fasting-friendly" or "guilt-free," it is worth noting that they are deep-fried and calorie-dense. For a healthier alternative during fasting, it is recommended to consume boiled potatoes or roasted makhana.