In an effort to concentrate on writing my debut book, I decided to delete Instagram for an entire month. However, the benefits I gained transcended mere productivity.
Initially, I hesitated for months before finally making the decision to remove the app. Deep down, I recognized that a break was necessary. I had grown too preoccupied with documenting my life and endlessly scrolling through others’ posts rather than truly engaging with my own experiences. Yet, I kept making excuses. After all, Instagram served as my digital scrapbook. What if I missed important updates? What if my engagement dropped dramatically? My biggest concern was the fear of missing out on significant happenings.
I attempted various strategies to reduce my phone usage. Some were effective, but I still felt the persistent urge to check my device. It had become my escape during dull moments and a crutch during challenging times.
The moment I pressed the “x” to delete the app, a wave of relief washed over me. Here’s what I learned during my social media hiatus:
Living in the Moment
At first, I still viewed some experiences through the lens of social media. Whether it was a family outing, a humorous comment from my children, or an enlightening podcast, I instinctively thought about sharing them online. However, this urge gradually diminished, replaced by a deeper appreciation for the experiences themselves. I began to savor these moments for their intrinsic value, rather than their potential likes or shares. I stored memories in my mind rather than on my phone.
Increased Creativity and Productivity
For nearly three years, I had been working on my manuscript, often plagued by the thought of how much further I could be if social media distractions were eliminated. The noise from platforms like Instagram crowded my creativity. During my four weeks offline, I made more progress on my book than I had in the past three years combined. Inspiration flowed more freely, not just related to my writing but also regarding my children, friends, and other creative endeavors. Engaging with social media often leaves us feeling productive, yet after hours of scrolling, we find ourselves with little to show for it.
Seeking Internal Validation
Shortly after deleting Instagram, I faced a wave of insecurities that bordered on emotional distress. Ironically, I had anticipated that stepping away from social media would alleviate my anxieties. I realized two key points: first, I missed the validation from likes, comments, and followers, and second, I could no longer use social media as a means to avoid processing my feelings. This awakening taught me the importance of experiencing and validating my emotions without relying on external affirmation.
Finding Wholeness
In our fast-paced world, modern women often feel pulled in numerous directions. Social media can amplify this sense of fragmentation as we compare our lives with others. Life shouldn’t be a constant comparison to everyone else’s highlights. Each of us has a unique path, and societal standards shouldn’t dictate our self-worth or happiness.
Mindful Motherhood
Since distancing myself from social media, I’ve become more engaged with my children. I want to cherish these formative years while they are still young, which requires intentional choices about my tech usage. I aim to demonstrate that real-life connections should always take precedence over digital interactions.
Striking a Balance
Though I’ve returned to social media, my approach has fundamentally changed. I can no longer consume content the same way. I’ve discovered a more peaceful and fulfilling existence when I’m not constantly attached to my phone. I now reserve most moments for my family while still sharing selectively. I even delete the app on weekends to maintain my focus.
Social media isn’t inherently bad; there are plenty of positive aspects to explore. Many of my friends successfully use it to pursue their passions and support their families. However, the time and energy I devoted to social media didn’t yield the returns I desired. While these platforms can serve as valuable tools, the true richness of life lies in our personal relationships and experiences, not in the digital realm. We shouldn’t fear missing out on online happenings, but rather what we risk losing by immersing ourselves too deeply in it.
In summary, taking a break from social media provided me with invaluable insights into my creativity, emotional well-being, and relationships. This time away allowed me to reconnect with myself and those around me, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment. For further insights on related topics, consider exploring this resource on pregnancy and home insemination or lactational amenorrhea.