Social Media Burnout
I no longer wish to live in fear of leaving Instagram.
The chokehold that Social Media has on me has reached a fever pitch. For years I have been saying “I wouldn’t have Instagram if it wasn’t for my business”, or “If only I could delete my page, but then how would I reach my audience?”. Social media is un-healthy, and has been causing me anxiety, distress and FOMO for long enough. I want to break free of it’s toxic cycle. There has to be another way to connect with community.
I know for me personally, it’s all or nothing. I have a hard time logging on to just share and exit - somehow I see something, then without thinking I’m scrolling, watching and consuming hours of video, content and stories - only to think “ what was I doing again?”. It catches our attention, draws us in, distracts us from what is really important. I feel compelled to share more content, to check on my ‘likes’, to see if it’s gaining enough traction and fast enough. It’s all consuming and it’s hurting my creativity. I need a break.
In the last few weeks since declaring my break - I’ve found myself sneaking on to check my DMs, or to make important posts while I migrate and engage my audience here and elsewhere, but slowly the time spent logged in to IG is creeping back up, and I am reminding myself that THIS is where I want to be. I want to keep my community - but leave behind the constant battle against the algorithm, to mute accounts that make me feel less-than and to quiet the noise.
Without Instagram I find myself with more time to think. To let my mind wander and to ask myself the important questions. Why is my business important to me? How can I lean into Joy? Where do I find my community outside of Social Media?
So far it’s been in the aisles of Sephora, the shop-keeper behind the cash-wrap, and the patrons I seat at the restaurant. I am stepping into my power, showing up authentically, and engaging with the people right in front of me.
the little things that have brought me immense happiness so far this month:
Audiobook: Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
Homemade Flower agrangements
Wearing Lipstick
Sneakers in bright colors for Spring
apdoting a new kitten - Wasabi
Thanks for being here! Would love to hear what’s bringing you joy this month, and how you do ( or don’t ) manage your time spent on Social Media. I welcome your thoughts and conversation in the comment section below.
xx
Michelle
Michelle Moore is a Seattle-based creative, vintage curator, photographer, writer and educator. You can catch her at an up-coming pop-up, swing by on a night she’s hosting at the restaurant in Ballard, order one of her hand-knit Beanies, or hire her to host & plan your next event.
connecting you with good clothes + good people.