I have to be honest with you. I’ve really been struggling lately with balancing everything in my life. I knew when I started this blog that I would be adding more to my plate and that excited me. And frankly I still love the process. Well most of it at least. My biggest struggle lately has been with social media. It still surprises me sometimes that I decided to start this blog. I have always been a very private person and have never been a fan of social media.
I have a Facebook that I never check, my Twitter feed can go for days without being refreshed and I don’t remember my Snap Chat password. But there is one app that seems to consume so much of my time…Instagram. I used to love Instagram! It was all about creativity and connection. As a visual person I get so much creative inspiration from seeing other people’s photos.
Recently though I have been feeling like Instagram has become a chore and a necessary evil that goes hand in hand with running a blog. Because of this I have started to resent the amount of time and energy I spend on an app. I take any excuse to not post. I find myself going a couple of days without sharing and it honestly feels great.
Unfortunately, being less active on the app means when I do post it doesn’t “perform” which brings me to my next point. The negativity that surrounds brands or influencers on Instagram is incredibly draining. You can’t go a day without hearing about how frustrated everyone is with the algorithm changes. Or someone saying that their most recent post “sucks” so therefore their content must suck. I hate this!
Why are we so hard on ourselves? I can honestly say I have never looked at a beautiful picture that someone posted and immediately checked the number of likes thinking “let me see if everyone else likes this photo before I decide if I do.” Instead I see a photo that someone has put time, effort and creativity into and it inspires me.
It’s been hard for me lately to spend a lot of time on Instagram because I feel like it holds a lot of negativity. I realize that a lot of this is self-induced but I always think that if I’m feeling a certain way then there’s a chance that someone else is too. So I want to start a different conversation, one that I have been having with myself a lot lately. Inspiration comes and goes. Life is not always picture perfect so it’s unrealistic to think that you should constantly be sharing your life through social media.
I started my blog as a creative outlet because my day job has very little creative expression for me. I love creating beautiful content to be shared on both the blog and my limited social media channels. But my life doesn’t look Instagram ready all the time. And as an introvert I need time to recharge especially after long days at work.
My biggest struggle has been finding the right balance between life and Instagram. As I mentioned there can be quite a bit of negativity for me if I spend too much time in the app. So I wanted to share a few things that I have been doing lately to limit the amount of time I’m spending on my phone:
At the end of the day it’s important to remember that there is a beautiful world out there. Share the moments that you want to, but not at the expense of living through your phone. We all have different levels of what we feel comfortable sharing and yours might be different from mine. No one is right or wrong and it’s all about your own comfort. I can feel just as connected to a beautiful flower when I’m stopping to smell it as I do when I see it though my camera lens. It’s just about having a balance between the life we live and the life we share online. xo Bryn
Photos from my friend Molly.
This is such a great post, Bryn! I can absolutely relate, sometimes it felt like I was reading my own thoughts about blogging and social media. I am also a very private person and an introvert as well. Social media can definitely be draining at times and I think it is great when we are able to realize that we do need a break and try to find balance.
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thank you Taylor! It’s been hard for me to balance it but I think it’s so important to find your own comfort zone. And not try to keep up with what everyone else is doing! Thanks for reading! Xo Bryn
Perfectly said, Bryn!! I think everyone is starting to feel this way and I’ve noticed a lot of people taking a step back from Instagram, myself included. I realized I was spending too much time and I don’t want to place any of my worth on the app, so I had to re-evaluate where my time was being spent. I love what you say about feeling as connected when you stop to smell the flower as you do through a camera lens.
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
Thank you Molly! It definitely makes me feel better knowing other people are feeling this way too! I love that you’ve re-evaluated where you spend your time! That’s something I need to do too! Xo Bryn
Exactly how I’m feeling Bryn about Instagram. I used to love it so much and it has been a chore to go on it that I resent posting. But I love your mindset about a photo. You don’t check the likes but instead the time and effort it goes into it. I’ve been creating a schedule for myself when it comes to Instagram. It has helped me with my sanity as well!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you Rach! I love the idea of using a schedule! I did that when I first started so maybe I should go back to doing that! Xo Bryn
AMEN SISTA!
I think we’ve all been there. I know I have. Right now, I’m struggling with my actual content, and cannot seem to get inspired. Instagram used to be that place for me, but with all of the changes, it’s just not the same anymore. I love your tips and LOVE what you’re doing! xx
PS: These photos are perfection.
Dana | The Champagne Edit
Thank you Dana! Your content is always amazing and so thoughtful!! I always enjoy reading! Xo Bryn
So well-said! I’ve definitely been a little more absent on IG too because life has been so busy. I haven’t felt an ounce of guilt about it… yet!
PS These photos are gorgeous!
xo Sam
http://www.thecurrentclassic.com
Thanks Sam! And good for you… no guilt! It feels good to just enjoy Instagram for what it is and not make it a chore! Xo Bryn
I totally agree with you about all these points. Instagram is really starting to become a chore, and it seems like i never really want to do it most of the time because it’s so much work. Sometimes turning off your phone can be so helpful.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I love this post! Thank you for being so honest! Social media is tough, but ultimately you have to enjoy it or you’ll just be miserable the whole time!
Thank you Kasey! I agree… I just want to enjoy Instagram for what it is now and take all of the pressure away! Xo Bryn
Thank you Bryn for being so genuine in all your posts and for speaking the thoughts that many of us feel! Balance is something I’m still trying to figure out, but after I made a decision to casually post and taking more breaks from social media this year, it has brought back a happier version of myself. I love all your wonderful tips and regardless of the algorithm, I will just post to inspire! Xx Emmahlyn
Beautifully said Emmahlyn! It should be fun and about sharing your creativity! Thank you so much for reading! Xo Bryn
You are actually writing from my soul. I’m an introvert as well and not the person for social media. Most channels are totally uninteresting for me. But I always try to think of Instagram as my main source of inspiration that gets me excited to create content myself. Never the less it’s incredibly hard for me to keep up with the posts as well. But I think you’re having the best plan for a good balance 🙂
Best, Sally
Thank you Sally!! I definitely agree that Instagram is a great source of inspiration! I just need to make it fun again! Xo Bryn
This is such a great post! Instagram should be an extra, not a necessity! Your blog is so cute, I love it!
Thank you Marianna!! I really appreciate it! Xo Bryn
Amen to this!! I feel like Instagram is a roller coaster of emotions. Some weeks, I feel fine and others, I’m doubting everything! Thanks for reading my mind and for the great reminders 🙂
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Yes! Roller coaster is a very accurate description! That’s exactly how I feel! Thanks girl! Xo Bryn
Love this girl! I am in a fight with IG this week so I just deleted it off my phone for a little break! hahah. I don’t know how long it will last since I do need it for work but right now I feel great about ignoring it!
Good for you! I like the commitment – deleting the app is such a good idea! Hope you feel refreshed! Xo Bryn
Love this post – so many great insights and tips, lady!
Thank you Jenn! I really appreciate it! Xo Bryn
Love this post!! I think you saw my similar post about the frustration around blogging… So glad I’m not the only one!! I stopped focusing so much on Instagram and sometimes it’s hard not to get frustrated with it, but at the end of the day, there are so many more important things in life. Love your suggestions!!
I understand you, majority has imbalance with real life and social media. I honestly have picked up a lot from this. I lost distress and feel refreshed.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova