So, in December, I’m doing one thing I’d by no means completed earlier than: quitting Instagram for a complete month. This choice didn’t come frivolously, however I can already inform you, it was some of the refreshing and revealing experiments I’ve ever completed.
Right here’s what led me to this choice and the stunning classes I discovered alongside the way in which.
The “Why” Behind the Break
December is usually one of many busiest months of the yr for therefore many people. Between vacation prep, wrapping up enterprise objectives, and juggling household life, it’s straightforward to really feel pulled in 100 totally different instructions. I began to note how a lot time I used to be spending on Instagram, even once I didn’t need to be. It had change into a reflex — a default distraction that wasn’t including worth to my life.
Worse, I spotted that Instagram wasn’t simply consuming into my time; it was stealing my presence. As a substitute of absorbing moments with my household or diving deep into artistic initiatives, I used to be scrolling. And whereas there’s nothing flawed with social media moderately, I knew it was time for a reset.
The Fears I Had About Quitting Instagram
Let’s be actual: as an entrepreneur, quitting Instagram felt scary. It’s one of many essential methods I join with my viewers, share my work, and develop my enterprise. What if stepping away damage my engagement? What if I misplaced momentum?
I additionally frightened in regards to the private facet of it. Would I really feel out of the loop? Would I miss vital updates from mates or tendencies in my trade?
However I reminded myself that taking this break wasn’t about abandoning social media ceaselessly. It was about stepping again to recalibrate, reassess, and reclaim my time.
What I’m Studying
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Time Is Extra Ample Than We Assume
Inside days of deleting the app, I seen how rather more area I had in my day. As a substitute of shedding 20 minutes right here and there to senseless scrolling, I discovered time to learn, journal, and even relaxation. I spotted that the shortage of time I typically felt was, partly, self-inflicted.
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Presence Is a Reward
With out Instagram pulling at my consideration, I used to be capable of be absolutely current with my household. I seen the little issues — the way in which my children’ laughter stuffed the room, the enjoyment of an uninterrupted dialog with my husband, and the peace of merely being nonetheless.
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Comparability Fades When You Step Away
Social media generally is a breeding floor for comparability. However with Instagram out of the image, I discovered myself extra content material with my very own journey. I wasn’t measuring my life in opposition to another person’s spotlight reel, and that was extremely liberating.
Will I Stop Instagram Once more?
The quick reply? In all probability! This experiment jogged my memory of the significance of setting boundaries with know-how. Whereas I don’t plan to go away Instagram completely, I do need to method it with extra intention shifting ahead. Which may imply setting limits on my display screen time, unfollowing accounts that don’t encourage me, or scheduling common breaks to reset.
My Problem to You
Should you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media, I problem you to take a break — even when it’s only for every week. You don’t must do it completely, and it doesn’t must be everlasting. However stepping away, even briefly, can provide you a recent perspective on what actually issues.
Let me know when you determine to provide it a attempt. And if you wish to hear extra about my expertise, you possibly can try the total podcast episode beneath.
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