I decided to remove Instagram from my life for a month to concentrate on writing my debut book, and what I gained from this experience was far beyond my initial goal.
The decision to delete the app wasn’t easy. It took me several months to finally take the plunge. I recognized that I needed a break; I was spending excessive time scrolling through others’ lives instead of truly engaging in my own. But I kept making excuses. After all, it served as my digital scrapbook. What if someone tried to reach out to me there? What if my follower count and engagement plummeted? And the thought that haunted me most: What if I missed out on something important?
I attempted various strategies to limit my phone usage. Although some were somewhat effective, the persistent urge to check my phone lingered. It had become a crutch, my go-to escape during dull moments or stressful times.
When I finally hit the delete button, a wave of relief washed over me. Here are some key takeaways from my month away:
Living in the Moment, Not the Feed
Initially, I still viewed some experiences through the lens of social media. Whether it was a fun family outing, a witty comment from my kids, or an enlightening podcast, I instinctively thought about posting it. However, that impulse gradually faded, replaced by something much richer.
I began to immerse myself in those moments. Instead of viewing them as potential Instagram posts, I cherished them as memories in the making. I relished experiences with all my senses, mentally cataloging them instead of letting the moment slip away into my phone.
More Creation, Less Consumption
For nearly three years, I had been working on my book, often pondering how much further along I might be if social media didn’t dominate my time and mental space. I longed for those fleeting moments of inspiration that were often drowned out by the noise of Instagram.
During my month-long detox, I accomplished more on my book than in the entirety of those previous three years. Without social media’s distractions, inspiration flowed more freely—not just for my book, but also for my children, friends, and other creative endeavors. Engaging with social media often gives a false sense of productivity, leaving us with little to show for it after an hour of scrolling. It’s all too easy to slip into a cycle of consumption instead of creation.
Finding Validation Within
Shortly after stepping away from Instagram, I experienced some intense insecurities, which surprised me since I had anticipated feeling liberated. The lack of feedback from likes and comments made me realize how much I had relied on social media for validation.
I also noticed that without the ability to escape my feelings through scrolling, I was forced to confront and process them more deeply. This experience was a wake-up call, revealing how much I depended on distractions to numb my emotions. I’ve since learned the importance of feeling my emotions fully and finding validation from within rather than seeking it externally.
Feeling Complete
As modern women, we often feel pulled in countless directions. Social media intensifies this fragmentation, as we subconsciously compare ourselves to others. This can be overwhelming; our brains can struggle with an overload of information.
Life isn’t meant to be lived by peeking into others’ lives and measuring our worth against theirs. We don’t need to hear everyone’s advice about every topic, as it can cloud our intuition and sense of self. Each of us has unique ways of living and parenting; success and beauty do not have a singular definition.
A Regret-Free Approach to Motherhood
Since distancing myself from social media, I’ve become more present with my children. These years are precious, and I want to make intentional choices about my social media use. I aim to model a lifestyle where real-life connections take precedence over digital interactions.
Finding a New Balance
I’ve returned to social media, but my approach has changed. I can no longer consume it mindlessly; I now understand the peace and fulfillment that come from disengaging from my phone. Most moments are preserved for my family and me. When I do post, I limit my time, even deleting the app on weekends.
I don’t believe social media is inherently bad. There are positive aspects to it, and I appreciate the connections it fosters. I commend those who leverage it to pursue their passions and support their families. However, for me, the return on my social media investment didn’t justify the time and energy I was expending. While social media can be a useful tool, the richness and fulfillment of life lie in our relationships and genuine experiences. We shouldn’t fear missing out on social media trends but rather the moments we could be passing by while glued to our screens.
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In summary, taking a break from social media revealed how much I relied on it for validation and distraction. This experience taught me to embrace the present, prioritize personal connections, and focus on creating rather than consuming. The journey towards balance continues, but I now approach social media with a renewed perspective.