Over the last two years, I’ve taken a significant step back from sharing my life on social media. This wasn’t a sudden decision—but rather a slow unraveling, set in motion by a personal event and a quiet realization: less sharing, less scrolling, and less screen time has made me a happier human with more time for the things that actually bring me joy.
The Shift Away from Social Media
At first, it was simple—I deleted the app from my home screen. Out of sight, out of mind. But social media has a way of creeping back in. When Instagram returned to my shortcuts, so did the mindless scrolling. It took real effort to resist the hypnotic swipe of stories and the infinite scroll of the feed.
But something had changed. Even as I peeked back in, I wasn’t as eager to post. For years, I’d uploaded 10–20 stories a day. Now? Maybe one to five—unless I have something genuinely exciting to share or sponsored content to post. The shift wasn’t just about screen time; it was about energy, intention, and peace of mind.
The Mental & Emotional Impact of Numbers on Social Media
If you use social media for your business, numbers matter. Engagement, reach, follower count—they’ve become a kind of currency. And for over a decade, I played the game. I poured hours into content creation, wrote clever captions, hired photographers, interacted daily, and researched algorithm hacks. Every year, I’d review my stats hoping for a breakthrough. But the only thing that consistently grew was my self-doubt.
Does this mean I’m failing? Why am I not as good as everyone else?
Eventually, I realized what many of us suspect but don’t say out loud: social media growth is often a lottery. Algorithms, timing, privilege, and pure luck play a bigger role than consistency or creativity. And that realization was both freeing and heartbreaking.
Mental Health Over Metrics
When I shifted my focus to blogging and podcasting—two mediums that allow for more depth and connection—I had to remind myself why I do this in the first place. I love writing. I love storytelling. I love connecting with people beyond likes and shares.
And I had to detach from the idea that numbers define success. Because when I was obsessively tracking Instagram insights, I wasn’t thriving—I was spiraling. My emotional investment in analytics was affecting my well-being in ways I didn’t fully see until I stepped away.
Why I Share Less (and Why It Feels Right)
I know some people speculate. She posts less because she’s boring. She doesn’t show up because no one cares anymore. But the truth is much simpler:
I just have less I want to share with the world right now.
Not because I’m hiding, but because I’m healing. I’m protecting. I’m savoring. Some moments—big or small—aren’t meant for mass consumption. They’re meant for me, or maybe just for a few close friends. And that’s enough.
Over the last 12 years, I’ve posted over 6,000 times on my Instagram feed alone. That’s 6,000 glimpses into my life. And somewhere along the way, I realized it’s okay to keep more of those moments just for myself.
The Joy of Doing Things Quietly
These days, I still create. I blog. I podcast. I take photos. I write for the sake of expression—not exposure. I chase connection, not clout. And that shift? It’s been one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done.
Has Social Media Burned You Out? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be constantly visible, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s time to take a step back too—or at least reevaluate your relationship with the platforms you use.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever taken a break from social media? What did you learn from it?
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