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Finding My Focus: The Great Social Media Cleanse
We all know that feeling, don’t we? That low hum of discontent that settles in after scrolling through social media for far too long. The feeling that you’re somehow falling behind, missing out, or just… not enough. For a while, I was caught in that cycle. Constantly consuming, rarely creating. Comparing my behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel. It wasn’t healthy, and it certainly wasn’t bringing me joy. I knew something had to change. I needed to reclaim my attention, my time, and frankly, my peace of mind. That’s where the unfollowing spree began. It wasn’t a snap decision, more like a slow simmer finally reaching a boil. And honestly? I haven’t looked back.
The Spark: Why a Mindful Life Needed a Mindful Feed
My journey toward a more minimalist lifestyle started small. It wasn't about throwing everything away and living in a tiny house (though, I appreciate those who do!). It was about being more intentional with what I let into my life – both physically and mentally. I started with decluttering my physical space, getting rid of clothes I didn't wear, books I wouldn't reread, and kitchen gadgets I barely used. The sense of lightness and clarity that came with that process was incredible. It spilled over into other areas of my life, including my relationship with social media.
I realized I was passively absorbing so much content, much of which wasn’t adding any value. I'd find myself comparing my writing journey to established authors, my cooking skills to professional chefs, my home decor to perfectly curated Instagram feeds. It was exhausting and, frankly, disheartening. I started to question what I was really getting out of all that scrolling. The answer, more often than not, was anxiety and a feeling of inadequacy. That’s when I knew a significant shift was needed.
The Unfollowing Experiment: Less Noise, More Signal
The process itself wasn't about blindly hitting the "unfollow" button. It was a deliberate and thoughtful exercise. I started by auditing my feed. I asked myself: Does this account inspire me in a positive way? Do I feel uplifted, motivated, or genuinely interested after seeing their posts? Does this account provide valuable information or education? Am I learning something new or gaining a different perspective? Does this account spark joy? Do their posts make me smile, laugh, or feel connected?
If the answer to all of those questions was a resounding "no," or even a hesitant "maybe," it was time to say goodbye. This wasn't about judging the accounts themselves, but rather about curating a space that supported my own well-being and goals.
Some were easy choices. Accounts that consistently triggered feelings of comparison, promoted unrealistic lifestyles, or were just generally negative got the axe. Others were harder. There were friends whose content I enjoyed, but who posted so frequently that their constant presence became overwhelming. In those cases, I opted to mute their stories or posts, keeping the connection but reducing the noise.
And then there were the accounts I felt obligated to follow. People I knew in real life, colleagues, or influencers I thought Ishouldbe following for some reason. Those were the trickiest because it felt impolite or like I was missing out on something important. But I had to remind myself that my mental health was more important than social obligation.
The number of accounts I unfollowed eventually crept up to around 100. It sounds like a lot, and maybe it is, but it was the right number for me. It wasn't about hitting a specific target, but about creating a space that felt more aligned with my values and priorities.
The Unexpected Benefits: Clarity, Creativity, and Connection
The immediate result of the unfollowing spree was a sense of lightness. It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air after being stuck in a stuffy room. My feed felt cleaner, less cluttered, and more intentional.
But the real benefits went far beyond that.
More Time: Without the constant pull of endless scrolling, I suddenly had more time on my hands. I used that time to pursue hobbies I'd neglected, read books I'd been meaning to read, and connect with friends and family in real life.
Increased Focus: My ability to focus improved dramatically. I was less distracted by notifications and less tempted to check my phone every five minutes. This allowed me to be more present in my work, more engaged in my conversations, and more mindful in my daily activities.
Enhanced Creativity: With less external input, I found myself more inspired to create. I started writing more, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring new artistic outlets. The space I'd created by unfollowing accounts allowed my own creativity to flourish.
Deeper Connections: Interestingly, cutting down on the number of accounts I followed actually deepened my connection with the accounts Ididfollow. I became more engaged with their content, more likely to leave thoughtful comments, and more appreciative of the value they brought to my life.
Greater Self-Awareness: The whole process forced me to become more aware of my own triggers and tendencies. I learned to recognize the types of content that made me feel anxious or inadequate, and I became more proactive in avoiding them. I also became more aware of my own values and priorities, which helped me to make more intentional choices in all areas of my life.
People Also Ask: Social Media Minimalism Edition
Here are a few questions I've been asked since embarking on this social media minimalist journey:What if I miss something important?
This was one of my biggest initial concerns. What if I missed an important announcement, a breaking news story, or a funny meme that everyone was talking about? The truth is, you probably will miss some things. But that's okay. The world won't end. Important information has a way of finding you, whether it's through news outlets, friends, or other channels. And honestly, missing out on some of the noise can be a blessing in disguise. You don't need to know everything that's happening all the time. Choose to focus on what truly matters to you.
Isn't it rude to unfollow people?
This is a valid concern, especially when it comes to people you know in real life. However, remember that your mental health is paramount. If someone's content is consistently negatively impacting your well-being, you have every right to unfollow them. You could also choose to mute their stories or posts instead. Ultimately, it's about setting boundaries and prioritizing your own needs. Most people understand that social media is a personal space, and they won't take it personally if you choose to unfollow them. If they do, that's their issue to deal with, not yours.
How do I avoid falling back into the scrolling trap?
This is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. It requires conscious effort and ongoing maintenance. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me: Set time limits: Use built-in app timers or third-party apps to limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day. Turn off notifications: Notifications are designed to grab your attention and pull you back into the app. Turn them off to reduce the temptation to check your phone constantly. Create alternative activities: When you feel the urge to scroll, engage in a different activity instead. Read a book, go for a walk, call a friend, or work on a creative project. Regularly audit your feed: Continue to review the accounts you follow and make sure they're still aligned with your values and goals. Don't be afraid to unfollow or mute accounts that no longer serve you.
Your Turn to Declutter Your Digital Space
This experiment has been a game-changer for me. It’s not about demonizing social media, but about using it intentionally and consciously. It’s about reclaiming your attention, your time, and your mental space. Maybe you don't need to unfollow 100 accounts. Maybe you only need to unfollow five, or mute a few others. The important thing is to take a look at your own feed and ask yourself: What's serving me, and what's holding me back? What voices do I truly want to hear, and whose noise can I afford to tune out?
Consider this an invitation to reflect. There's no right or wrong way to approach this. The goal is simply to create a digital environment that supports your well-being and helps you to live a more intentional life.