5.11.2018

As I mentioned in my May updates, I took a couple weeks off from social media in an effort to disconnect from all the noise. I never realized how consumed I had truly become. I took time off from Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (although I rarely check in there anyway). At first it was difficult. I felt completely out of the loop, not just with other bloggers but even with my own friends. In some ways, I almost felt I was being rude if I didn't invest my time to check in with people. But after the first couple of days, I started to feel better about the disconnect. I texted my friends instead of liking their pictures, I became more present in my daily rituals, and I used the time I spent mindlessly scrolling to work on other things I had been putting off. It was absolutely a great way to put things into perspective. I needed to find my balance.



It's not just social media either, it's technology in general. I never feel like I can completely disconnect and as someone who used to really value privacy, this lead to a ridiculous amount of worry about not returning a text quickly enough, or not immediately checking an email. It morphed into a vicious cycle.

This is of course the reality we live in now. I just think it's important to take little breaks from all the noise. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, I'm using that time to write. Not just for this blog, but also for my own clarity. I've never been good at articulating my thoughts, but writing them down is a way for me to release everything. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially before bedtime so that your mind is clear at the end of the day.

I'm not saying that I can cut out social media altogether, nor do I think other people should either. It's a great tool, and I love connecting with people. But. there should be some balance for those of us who feel negatively affected by its overuse.  Posting a little less frequently seems to be working for me at the moment, and I'm using my time more wisely. I hope you guys have found your balance as well.

How do you feel about this topic? Have a great Friday!

4 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this, Noelle, and I'm right there with you in constantly seeking that balance. There are parts of social media I really enjoy and I don't want to give it up entirely. (Although when I've taken temporary breaks where I did give it up entirely, it felt GREAT.) So I don't know what the answer is either and I'm constantly looking for one, but I'm glad you have found some strategies for helping you find that balance for now.
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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  2. Great post and I appreciate reading your thoughts! I just think there is so much pressure to share things on social media and keep up with people that way. We all need to appreciate what is going on in our lives at that moment too!

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  3. I’ve been reading a lot about social media detoxes - and part of me wonders how much more I would get done if I wasn’t on Instagram so much! It’s a bit worrying! So amazing that you’re able to step back!

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  4. You and I are on the same page. On one hand, the “algorithm” drama was frustrating Bc of the decline in engagement but on the other hand, i was less motivated to post multiple times and day and scroll endlessly through other accounts comparing myself to them multiple times a day. It’s kind of nice that when I do post, I forget sometimes that I’ve posted. It’s great to not feel that stress or pressure. If people like it, they like it. But it doesn’t dictate who I am or my unhappiness. While I have yet to cut myself off for an extended amount of time from social media, just scaling back has been great for my mental health!
    Caryl | http://morepiecesofme.com

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