It’s been a little over a week since my post on Instagram where I did the thing you’re not supposed to do and shared that I was taking a break from that social media platform.
In case you were curious, yes….you would be correct in assuming that it is what I am giving up for Lent this year. But besides a practice for my spiritual health, this year it’s also something I am doing for my physical health.
I guess I should back up.
At the end of January I went to a chiropractor with the hope of getting some relief from a grumpy shoulder that had been bothering me for a few months. It was during my initial consultation that he showed me an X-ray of my neck. Although it wasn’t what caused the initial injury to my shoulder, the misalignment was exacerbating the pain and also preventing my shoulder from healing properly.
My chiropractor didn’t ask, but I immediately knew. My neck issue was caused by much time looking at my phone. And ‘looking at my phone’ is just a slightly less embarrassing way of saying ‘scrolling Instagram’.
I’ve known for a long time that Instagram is often detrimental for my mental health. But faced with the knowledge that it was taking a toll on my physical health as well, it was clear to me that I needed to make a change and reset my relationship with this platform.
But Instagram is a hard habit to break. Even though I removed the app from my phone, I was suprised and bewildered (not to mention embarrassed) at how many times at day I picked it up out of habit that first week. For a long time Instagram has been the gap-filler in the in-between moments of my day like waiting on photos to upload to Lightroom. The problem is that two minutes turns into 30 minutes without even noticing. Which is exactly what this app is designed for (which is probably another story for another day).
Dear Instagram, it’s not me – it’s you.
Fast forward ten days and I am already sensing a huge shift and lightness in my mental wellbeing. And as Providence would have it, now that my website problems have been resolved, I am thoroughly enjoying a return to my little corner of the interwebs. Sharing these little snippets of my life on my blog feels more like inviting you into my home and less like performing on stage. If that makes any sense at all.
So thank you for continuing to come and visit and allowing me to share my life with you. It really does mean the world to me.
Love, Kelly
Hi Kelly,
You’re absolutely correct. It’s Instagram. I finished a book not long ago: How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price. I’ve follow a few of the author’s suggestions. And wow what a difference.
As always Thank You,
Sylvia ?
Sylvia, I so appreciate you sharing this. It’s a comfort to know I’m alone who has had this experience. xoxo
Kelly, I have wanted to “lessen the amount of time “ I spend on Instagram for Lent this year…… I have come to see how it affects my mental health & don’t like it. Though I had a hard time saying give it up….. I now realize that is exactly what I need to do. It is crazy to me how many times I reach for my phone and scroll. Well, when Lent is over, I think I’ll have read and knit so much more than I would have if I left Instagram on my phone. I am pretty positive I’ll be so glad that I gave it up. I hope you feel better soon… and I wish you .a fruitful Lenten season.
Thank you Janet. I have tried many times to limit my time on IG without a lot of success. I always seem to get sucked back in so taking this break has been a real eye-opener for me. Wishing you all the best in your Lenten journey this year as well. xoxoxo
Hi Kelly,
I completely agree with you that it is a hard habit to break!! I have taken breaks from Instagram in the past and couldn’t believe how often I picked up my phone even if the app removed. I have also tried to block it during the week and only check on the weekends and that did not work. I seem to fall prey for its for what it is designed to do… make me scroll and scroll and scroll.
I like your approach to posting to your blog. It provides a connection to people which is what I like most about Instagram. I may follow your lead. Thanks for posting and sending out emails. Hope your shoulder is on the mend.
CJ (aka ink.paper.photos)
Thank you for sharing your experience, CJ. It’s always a comfort to know I’m not alone in my experience. And you are so spot on about IG – it’s actually what I loved about IG in the beginning – connecting with photographers and other creatives. Enjoying the inspiration and encouragement in those communities. xoxo