Take a Break From Social Media

Should you take a break from social media? I’m on social media way more than I want to be. However less than pre-pandemic times. With the Instagram algorithm ever changing and not for the best, I no longer get the same level of enjoyment from it. I’m not seeing my most favorite accounts, or if so, only a small percentage of them. It’s made me take a deeper look at what I want and how I want my life to be. I’m not mentioning TikTok here because I’ve tried it and it’s not for me. I don’t think you get even close to the same level of real connections that you can on Instagram.

It’s a juggle working full-time, parenting, and trying to carve out a creative space. Although I have thought about giving up the influencer idea many times, I always come back to the connections I’ve made. Instagram has given me a tribe I would not have found otherwise. This mix of brands I’ve grown to love and admire, other influencers who I can now consider friends, and regular people who I have connected with over DM. I love it too much to give up if I’m being honest. So here’s what I say if you are burnt out and are thinking whether you should take a break from social media.

Think about why you started

There was an excitement at one time for social media. A way to connect with friends when life gets in the way and in-person visits are scarce. It is also an immediate resource for inspiration no matter your niche. It’s so much more satisfying than magazines, at least for me.

I joined Instagram because I enjoyed watching 3 YouTubers and wanted to get a glimpse into their daily UK lives. All 3 are huge now but I remember loving Victoria (Inthefrow.com) and seeing her ever changing hair colors, in addition to her always sweet attitude; Lydia Millen when she was still in her apartment and more focused on beauty reviews; and Claire Chanelle for her insane Chanel collection (and now Hermes). I started blogging with the intention of bringing joy and lightness to others, much like these 3 ladies did for me. I think I was starting to get too caught up in trying to create what instagram wanted me to, rather than what I wanted to create. It’s not fun to do what everyone else is doing. It’s more fun to create something truly you.

Get back to your roots and rediscover why you are here. Like a trip down memory lane, think about where you were when you started, and how far you have come now. How has your taste changed, or how has it has not? Maybe that spark will come back.

If Instagram died today, what would you do?

Would it be the end of the world? No. I have my blog which has become much more important to me than Instagram. It’s where you can always find me, and get to know me on a more personal level. I hope that it is an escape for some of you when you just need something light.

In addition to that, I’ve been signing up to my favorite blogs and newsletters so I never miss a thing, and don’t feel the pressure to log on to social media to see what’s going on. I know the people I want to see most will be in my inbox (add their address though so they don’t go to spam!). And on the reverse side, it’s a great time to unsubscribe to the clutter! Curate and refine the type of messaging you want to see. Give it a try.

What to do with the extra time?

Read a Book

I’m currently reading A Well Behaved Woman. Don’t let the title fool you. This woman was strong and smart, and built an American empire. I love books that take you to another era. Historical fictions are my favorite because you can learn a bit about history although through a romanticized eye. Plus, reading before bed is much better than having that blue light disrupt your sleep pattern.

Learn a New Recipe

I have a habit of saving recipes on Pinterest and rarely making them. I’ve found a few favorites that I always go back to, but there are so many more I need to try. I’m committing to trying one new recipe a week! Let me know if you are interested in knowing which ones and I will share them.

Try a New Workout

I love the Peloton classes. Not the bike, but the cardio and strength training classes. I need to get back on track with that and remember how much I enjoy it. Exercise is nature’s cure after-all right? Back in my 20’s I was a personal trainer (my Bachelor’s degree is in Nutrition). Life took me in a different direction but I still love to work out.

Go Out to that New Restaurant (or Old Favorite)

Stop putting off plans and actually get out. We love going out to dinner as a family at least once a month, but with the holidays recently passing, it’s been a while. Just last week we went out to an old favorite that we haven’t been to in at least 2 years (where did that time go?). We remembered how much we love it and had the best night. We are now adding this spot back on our rotation!

Try reducing your daily screen time and take a small break from social media. I bet you will enjoy it more if you do!

Outfit Details

Wearing a Chloe turtleneck sweater found on Vestiaire Collective and old Sezane pants (similar pants here).