I Deleted Instagram from my Phone...

Yes, you heard right: I deleted Instagram from my phone. Now, you’ll probably tell me it's crazy. I work in social media and digital marketing; how does that even work??

I was skeptical at first. Trust me. But, what I got out of this experiment is something I think we should talk about. So, grab your lunch, take a break from work and hear me out…

First, I should preface this: I did not delete my Instagram account. I simply deleted the app from my phone. A few months ago, I started noticing the amount of content I was consuming in comparison to the amount I was creating. My screen time numbers were atrocious. My feed was collecting dust. My creativity was stalled. So, I made the executive decision to step away. I kept TikTok and still accessed the app from other devices.

But, that subconscious habit of opening the Instagram app whenever I was bored, uncomfortable, or impatient, that had to go.

I thought I'd be missing a lot, that I'd feel out of the loop or simply less inspired. Instead, I felt the same way I feel every Sunday when I lock my socials for Sabbath: free.

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The question you’re probably asking now is: did anything major change?

I’ll say this: I'm still struggling with screen time. “La nature a horreur du vide” as they say. So, I naturally started compensating by being more active on WhatsApp and TikTok. We’re working on it. Still, this experiment pushed me towards a discipline I couldn't have imagined some time ago…

Since I was spending all that time on TikTok, I decided to swap doomscrolling for something better: discipline.

My goal was simple: post 1-2 videos each day (except for Sundays of course). Unhinged, uncomplicated, imperfect. The first week was easy and fun. The second week was rough. The third week, I started getting the hang of things. Honestly, it's not about the numbers, although the science major in me can't help analyze data. What it gave me was muscle mass: the ability to push myself to create, regardless of “how I feel”. Isn't it what stops us too often?

So, now that you know what happened, would you ever try this?

Is it scary to unplug this way?

If I had some tips and pointers for you (if or when you decide to try it yourself), it would be this:

• Time limit your social apps directly in your phone settings.

• Create as much or more than you consume.

• Set a simple goal, which is really a habit, for creating more.

• Schedule your posts ahead of time so you don't have to be on the apps as much.

• Get yourself a notebook and a favorite pen to take with you everywhere and write on whenever you’re bored or impatient, instead of doomscrolling.

As always, I'm rooting for you!

Mel