The addiction was real. Not only was Instagram consuming my time, it also consumed my mind space. Scrolling, posting, stories, stories, stories. This post got more likes than that post. That book can wait while I scroll. How much more productive would I be without Instagram? What would fill my brain instead? How difficult would it be once I pulled the plug?
Enter Instacleanse. 7 days without Instagram. App deleted. No checking. No cheating. Here is what happened….
- More Meaningful Connections. with friends and family. The extra 5-10 minutes I used to scroll, I found myself sending texts, making phone calls, checking on people, catching up. It felt good.
- Created a New Default. I caught myself picking up my phone and without thinking, my fingers would scroll to look for the Instagram app. My hands moved before my brain did. The number of times I caught myself scrolling to the app only to realize it was GONE, blew my mind. It was my default. My new default is the news, photos of my kid, creating a blog post, writing an email, listening to a podcast, reading a book.
- My Ego Got Checked. Each “like” was a big dopamine boost. A hit. Now that is missing, I found myself looking to validate my ego in other ways. (Enter awareness, self-love and meditation) This realization is priceless. Thankfully I have the tools to recognize this sensation and know what to do with it. The craving eventually went away.
- Work Game Strong. This has been the biggest benefit of the Instacleanse. I booked 25% more meetings and completed more projects this week than I have in a LONG time. I had no idea how often Instagram pulled me away. 5min here and 10min there in between meetings add up! Now I use that time to respond to emails, make a phone call, set up an appointment. It’s been huge.
- Clean & Organized House. I never expected this benefit but I ended up organizing my pantry, jewelry drawer, and refrigerator. It didn’t take long at all but scrolling sounds much more appealing, if it was an option.
- Missing Out? Nope. Surprisingly, I had zero interest in watching stories or viewing posts. I just didn’t care. I was living my life and felt fully present for it. The only time I wanted to go on Instagram was to connect with the other people doing the Instacleanse.
- Some People Are More Addicted Than Others. and I was addicted. When I talked to people throughout the week about the Instacleanse, I heard, “Well, I don’t go on that much. Only a little at night.” That sounds awesome. For me, it was all or nothing. I am trying to get on their level to achieve balance.
- Happy Hubby. Have I mentioned our only fight is Instagram? Well, needless to say, we had a great week!
- In the Moment. When I took my toddler sledding for the first time, I was 100% focused on her. Not capturing the moment. I was IN the moment.
- Decreased screen time. Increased Happiness. that’s it.
- Expression Gap & Community. For me, Instagram is a platform to express myself. With mindfulness, with fashion, with health, with food, with fun. I have found a tribe, a community on Instagram who enjoy my content and I enjoy theirs! They are more to me than just “followers” – it feels more like family. I miss them and the platform for my expression. For that reason, I will be back, but not quite yet.
Was it valuable? HELL YES. Will my relationship with Instagram change as a result? Absolutely. Sometimes social media can make you feel trapped. I am here to tell you- there is a way out and it is very pleasurable on the other side.
I will be leading another Instacleanse soon. Join me!
Peace & Love,
Nadene
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