Hi friends, it’s been a long time! I swear I haven’t forgotten about this little blog of mine. I miss writing, and sharing the topics that have been on my heart. Today I want to talk about something I have been doing every single week, for the past six or so months. Something that has drastically shifted my day to day, and improved my relationships as a result. It was something that I had wanted to implement for a long long time, but struggled to make the change, due to routine. Being a blogger, being on social media was huge part of the job. For years I had worked hard to grow my socials, but up until recently I’ve given up. Growing a following on Instagram is daunting, and something I no longer wish to pursue. I have kept my following steady for quite awhile, and those followers are genuine, and readers of This Northern Native. I have chosen to focus more on every day life, and writing for myself. I’m not actively seeking partnerships, or brand collaborations, or chasing that dream of being a blogger with a steady income. I have worked hard to earn paid posts, and collaborations – and I have achieved my goals. I never thought I could get paid for my writing, and sharing my opinions but I have. Over the years, I have worked SO hard to make an income, and I have done exactly what I had set out to do.
That being said, I want This Northern Native to stay alive, active, and contain posts I feel pulled to share. And it will.
While I’m not actively seeking paid posts, I will gladly take them on if they fit where I want to go as a blogger (and if I truly believe in the product) But as of write now, expect to see more real life, every day type of posts. I am shifting into a new role, and chasing a dream that does not have to do with social media, and marketing myself. I am finally going after the personal goals I have had, and will share more in time. But for now, lets talk about the weekly social media break that’s changed my every day life.
Last year, I realized I needed to make a change. I was constantly on my phone whether it was Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Due to blogging, I wanted to constantly be chasing after growth, or promoting my blog. Now that life has shifted quite a bit, I am prioritizing other goals and projects. However, social media is something I still frequent. Last year I decided to create a big boundary with social media. I decided to put my REAL life first, and only use social media Friday – Sunday.
Weird, I know.
This wasn’t a hard boundary, of course. If I had something I wished to post during the week, or something needed to get done (brand deals, collabs) I would login and do what I needed. For the first couple of weeks, this felt hard. I wanted to use my down time to check in with my favorite people, and simply kill time scrolling Instagram. It became the norm for me, spending a couple hours a day on socials. But I committed to my weekly social media breaks.
To do this, I simply deleted these apps off of my phone. And I did not re-download them until Friday afternoon. I can’t even express how it’s changed my productivity levels, or the richness of connection I now have in my life. I also let my friends, and family I wouldn’t be utilizing social media during the week, and if they wanted to get in touch, text or call. I wanted deep, meaningful connection. Due to the pandemic, coffee dates were slim to none last year, so I settled with text or phone calls. During my week, my phone is simply used for texting, whether it’s my husband or friends. And it feels so good.
Social media breaks are crucial to reset, refocus and relax. I can’t stress that enough.
Whether you choose one day, or five, your sanity will thank you – I promise. The point is, to take a break. Pick what works with your needs and your schedule. In giving yourself a break, you will find you are more intentional with your time, and your life. Giving myself five days off of social media, I am more present with the people I care about. In spending less time on social media, you will find….
Better time management
Increased productivity
Less anxiety / depression
Increase of self awareness (especially with what occupies your time!)
You will experience less “FOMO”
The biggest reward I have gotten out of spending less time on social media, is clearer priorities. I no longer care to scroll, and spend hours engaging within a computer screen. My focus is to build a life I love, full of rich connection. I want to chase my dreams, while enjoying my every day without focusing on what other people are doing / achieving. If you’re in dire need of a social media break, I challenge you to pick a a day, or even a few days off of social media to reconnect with what matters most.
