4 things I learned from my week off Social Media
Let's talk social media - the ultimate double-edged sword, don’t you think?
As a solopreneur and mama juggling the worlds of business and motherhood online, I’ve certainly felt the highs and lows of this digital dance.
It's been my go-to for connection, inspo, and learning, as well as a platform for sharing my journey and point of view. But let’s not gloss over the shadows: the comparison trap, information overload, the toxicity of carefully curated feeds, and the endless quest for validation.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Well, after feeling like I was slipping into a bit of a digital abyss, I decided to hit pause. I took a week off, intending to simply step back from posting. But what started as a break became quite an eye-opening experience. Here's what I discovered:
Lesson One: Embracing real-world magic
Taking a step back from the constant urge to check notifications or scroll through feeds opened up so many opportunities for real-world connections. From impromptu chats with the barista, overhearing my daughter's imaginative conversations with her dolls as she played in the next room, to paying attention to the flowers budding in the garden - I was reminded of the simple joys waiting beyond the screen.
Lesson Two: Liberating mental space
Ever catch yourself in the shower, pondering Instagram captions instead of enjoying the warm water? Or getting caught up in comparing your struggles to someone else's highlight reel? Or maybe wondering if anyone has liked or commented on your latest post? Guilty as charged.
Stepping away from the digital whirlwind surprisingly cleared a significant amount of mental clutter, allowing me to focus on the present rather than what might be happening online.
Lesson Three: Mindful scrolling > Mindless scrolling
Hands up if you've ever found yourself in a scroll trance, or reached for your phone at every idle moment? Yep, been there too. Taking a break made me realise that much of my time spent online lacked intentionality – it was more reflex than purposeful interaction.
Lesson Four: Reconnecting with instincts
Here's a biggie: drowning in external noise can really drown out our inner voice. Stepping back helped me reconnect with my instincts, reminding me to trust myself, both as a mama making decisions and as a business owner paving my own path.
So, what now?
When I paused to reflect on how I was feeling about it all, it dawned on me that there were a lot of similarities with the way I have felt about motherhood in the past – overwhelmed, frustrated, doubting myself, feeling anxious, and measuring myself against someone else’s standards.
So I’ve applied a lot of the same principles I did to reimagine my motherhood experience, and created a roadmap to a healthier and happier online presence.
Stay true to my values: What lights me up? What am I passionate about? Aligning my online presence with what truly matters to me.
Ditch the shoulds: I’m a sociable introvert to my core. Who says I have to post every day or follow the latest reel trend? Here’s to rejecting the pressure and embracing my unique rhythm and pace.
Redefine success: For me, it’s never been about likes or follows; it's about connection and authenticity and if I can make just one mama feel seen and validated, then that’s what I’m here for.
Set clear boundaries: From screen time limits, curating my feed and planning regular digital retreats, I’m feeling clearer about the boundaries that will protect my mental health and well-being.
So, there you have it - my social media manifesto if you like.
By sharing it with you, I'm holding myself accountable and hopefully inspiring you to consider your digital well-being. I really do believe that when we use them in the right way, these online spaces can be a great source of inspiration and connection, not exhaustion.
Here's to a more mindful, joyful journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship, both online and off.
