5 Things I Learned After a Week Off Instagram

You might have noticed (or not noticed) that I took a week off Instagram while we were on vacation in Glen Arbor. I’ve been using Instagram for business and my personal life since the app first launched in 2010. I know a week doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s probably the longest break I’ve taken from social media…maybe ever. I’m on the app quite a bit for work but also for fun and sometimes the endless scrolling and posting is overwhelming. Not documenting our hike up Sleeping Bear Dunes, lunch from Village Cheese Shanty or shopping in Leland was kinda weird. I experienced some FOMO the first few days, but truly enjoying my vacation was priceless. Here are a few things I learned after a week off Instagram.

What I Learned After a Week Off Instagram

I Felt More Present

Being off Instagram for a week allowed me to be more present. I didn’t worry about how often I was posting stories, coming up with content for posts or going through all of my photos. Instead I made friendship bracelets with my nephews, read a book, or took a walk on the beach. I actually really enjoyed doing more of the things I love and not having to document every second of it. Do you know what I mean? Don’t get me wrong I love sharing my life and coming up with creative campaigns. But, the feeling of being more present with my family (and also with myself) was truly amazing. I’m the type of person who scrolls Instagram when I’m bored or feeling anxious. Anyone else? After a week off Instagram I quickly realized I need to set better boundaries. This hasn’t been easy to maintain after vacation and a week off, but I’m trying to be better at it. Small steps friends.

I Was More Creative

The one thing I truly enjoy about my job is the ability to use some creativity in videos, blog posts or photo shoots. After a week off Instagram I realized I missed my old creative outlets like painting or drawing. My mom bought my nephew a drawing book, and I found myself grabbing it in morning to sketch some animals. This isn’t something I do at home and it really got my creative juices flowing. I was into painting when I was younger and even after college, but my paints and supplies have been sitting in the basement for too long. We visited some art galleries in Glen Arbor and Leland and my mom kept telling me I needed to pick up a paint brush again. The truth is I do need to pick up a paint brush and pencil again. I felt like a puzzle piece was put back into place after that week off Instagram. I’m working on setting aside time to open my paints and let myself be more creative.

I Missed My Friends

Did I miss scrolling through Instagram? Absolutely. But, more than anything I missed seeing what my friends and others were doing. I realized I used Instagram as a way to catch up with friends, and I need to be better about texting or calling instead. So I’m trying to be better about not just DM’ing friends, but also texting them outside of the app. There are also a big number of “friends” that I haven’t met in real life, but love connecting with on Instagram. I missed that community aspect of sending messages or just connecting with followers.

I Enjoyed Life More Without Instagram

The noise of Instagram was refreshing to turn off for a week. I found myself enjoy activities and conversations more without having to think about posting or scrolling Instagram. After a few days off the app I was able to focus more and pay attention to little things around me. I’ve become accustomed to having my phone by my side at all times, and I truly found that I don’t need it 24/7. Now I’m all about leaving my phone at home for a date night or going for walks without it.

Instagram Breaks Are a Must

Will I take another break from Instagram? Yup! Breaks from Instagram (or social media in general) are totally needed. I get why people take regular breaks from Instagram and I’ll definitely do it again. Now that I’m back on Instagram I love sharing content, but I keep thinking about my week off the app and what I learned. I recently grabbed drinks with a friend, and she was shocked I didn’t grab my phone to snap a photo. I’m clearly making progress right?

I think the clear takeaway from my week off Instagram is setting better boundaries, being more present with friends & family, and prioritizing my creativity. The world will go on if I don’t post a photo at a restaurant or the pretty flowers on my desk. Let’s be real life is bigger than what I ate for lunch or a beautifully decorated space. I’m choosing to focus on those every day moments that don’t need to be captured by my phone.

I’m interested if you’ve taken a break from Instagram? Let me know in the comments below!