Ever since I made the big decision to quit Instagram I’ve received a flurry of emails asking how I’ve felt since leaving the platform. Do I regret my decision? How has it affected my blog traffic? Has it made a big difference in my life? If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you’re ready to leave IG, hopefully this post will grant you some clarity.
When I first made the fateful choice to delete my account I felt immensely liberated. Instagram was a power leak for me and I spent more time and energy on it than I cared to admit.
My first week off the app was a bit of an adjustment period. I felt a general itchiness as I quashed the compulsive habit of endless scrolling and popping in to see what everyone was up to.
I was so accustomed to being plugged into the hive mind all the time, that initially, there was a small sense of loss and loneliness. On some level I did enjoyed feeling connected, even in a voyeuristic sense. And if I’m being honest, I missed that a little. But regardless, I stuck to my decision, because I knew that for me personally, the price was simply too high
Home Frequency
Despite these small misgivings, there was a palpable feeling that I had called my energy back in a profound way. Letting go of Instagram has allowed me to return to center so that I can sit in my power.
I finally understand the phrase ‘energetic sovereignty’ in the fullest sense of the words. I feel much more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve also discovered that it’s far easier to attune to my home frequency and show up as my authentic self.
I think that’s because you become what you think about. And before deleting IG I would be taking in everyone else’s thoughts and energy all day long. As an empath that can get confusing (and exhausting!) because the line between what is mine vs. what is theirs becomes increasingly blurry.
If you’re operating in the world with a poorly defined sacral center or solar plexus like most empaths, it’s easy to feel out of touch with your own inner compass- what feels good and what feels bad. Other people’s beliefs can readily become your own.
Not to the point that you’re going off to join a cult or anything, but maybe other people’s ideas of success for instance, become internalized. And you start to think that vacationing in the Maldives, having 1 million followers and being the latest face of Sugar Bear Hair means you’ve ‘made it.’
I’ve found that it’s way more helpful to determine what success looks like for you. Maybe it’s living in a cabin in the woods with your sweetie and being one with nature rather than owning 5 different companies and private jet. Create your own definition of success.
Mythbusters: Losing Friends + Traffic
One of my biggest worries about leaving the platform was that I would lose the opportunity to nourish the relationships I had created and the friends that I made. Surprisingly enough, I found the opposite to be true.
More people have been reaching out to me than ever before. I don’t feel isolated or out of touch. Instead, I’ve strengthened existing bonds and built new friendships.
I’m collaborating with people for the first time. Communications have been deeper and less surface-level. And I’ve been expanding my real life ‘social network’ in a way that feels authentic and organic.
Maybe you’re concerned that leaving Instagram will negatively impact your business. While there was a dip in my blog traffic at first, it has been steadily growing back. Based on the analytics, it seems that more readers are seeking out my site via direct channels than ever before.
Presence is Power
One of the biggest benefits of spending less time on Instagram is how present I am in my own life. I have an abundance (some might even say excess) of mental energy. Being on social media takes this to new heights and amplifies any of my existing anxiety and flightiness.
After breaking up with the ‘gram I feel much more grounded and mindful in each moment. I’m more present with my friends and family and it’s easier to live more intentionally. I also have a lot more time on my hands which I’ve been able to devote to self care, my numerous hobbies and naps. Naps > social media, at least in my book.
I’ve also been experiencing increased feelings of gratitude. My relationship with Spirit, God, the Universe (whatever you choose to call it) has deepened considerably. Never underestimate the power of presence. Quit social media and you might just find yourself savoring the slivers of joy that each day has to offer. After all, no two moments are the same and this one that you’re in right now will never arise again.
Creatively, it’s infinitely easier for me to connect to my intuition and access a state of flow. Without IG the world feels more quiet in a comforting, peaceful, slow-living kind of way.
Have you ever noticed that when you have the space to be alone, your inner voice becomes ever louder? When you spend more time in your own energy, your inner wise one can grant you the clarity you’ve been looking for.
5 Gentle Tips for Leaving IG
1. Let People Know– If I had to go back and do it all over again, I absolutely would. But unlike me, maybe don’t go scorched Earth and pull the Irish goodbye. Let people know when you’re planning to leave the app and where they can connect with you moving forward.
Reach out to friends and make sure you have each other’s contact info so that you can stay in touch. Screenshot any bookmarked posts that are meaningful to you.
Subscribe or bookmark the websites of your expanders, those people who truly inspire you so that you can spend time in their energy when you so choose.
2. No Website, No Problem– Maybe you’re afraid to take the plunge because all of your content is on IG and nowhere else. A friendly reminder: you don’t own anything you post on IG. Zuckerberg and friends own everything you post on their platform. And they have the right to sell, modify and distribute your hard-earned creations as they please.
That’s okay. Start that website and begin the process of moving your content over. Your website doesn’t need to be fancy or complicated. It certainly doesn’t need to be perfect.
There are tons of resources out there to help you DIY it. You don’t need to hire web and graphic designers (although you absolutely can if you want). You just need a destination where people can go to see your amazing creations and learn what you’re all about.
3. Social Media Substitution- Be mindful and do your best to avoid trading one addiction for another. For example, don’t quit IG only to devote all your newfound time to Twitter. Consider planning a small project to look forward to such as creating a mala necklace, painting a portrait of your dog, building an herbal apothecary or trying a new type of yoga.
4. Community > Following– If you’re concerned that your lack of Instagram will impact your following, website traffic or business earnings, focus on building community instead. Find new ways to engage with and celebrate your community members through a newsletter, membership portal or by offering something free.
Truly seek to connect with people and make them feel special and seen. This is a great way to grow easily and organically while fostering meaningful relationships.
5. Being vs Doing- Instagram is all about doing. You’re essentially watching what people are doing all day long. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the comparison game. You might ask yourself: Am I doing enough? Is what I’m doing worthy? Am I good enough? She seems so much better than me- I’ll never be as talented as her. Or, she stole my idea!
When you quit Instagram, it’s much easier to let go of doing and embrace being your authentic self instead. You will attract your soul family like a moth to a flame.
Sensitive soul, I hope I can show you that it’s okay not to be online. And that together we can debunk misleading myths that you need an Instagram presence if you want to run a business or that you’ll lose your friends if you leave the app. It’s simply not true!
Quitting Instagram is not for everyone, and if being on social media feels aligned for you then keep shining your light beloved.
But if releasing social media resonates instead, don’t let fear stand in your way. Give yourself permission to be the sacred rebel.
