Making a Change
So I've made a decision. I've decided to close my personal Instagram account and migrate to only having one for Simply Well with Natalie (@simplywellwithnatalie). There are a few reasons why I'm doing this, and it's not just because I saw the Social Dilemma on Netflix (although I do recommend everyone see it). I've been thinking about this for a while but have been slow to act. Now is the time. I'm sharing this decision and my reasons below with you in case you've had similar thoughts but haven't yet made a change. Sharing this will also help keep myself accountable!
I want to be more present in my life. Life is short, and I don't want a big portion of mine to be spent looking at the highlight reels of others. I love you all, and I am interested in what's going on with you but would much rather connect with a conversation or (one day) an in-person visit. I especially want to be present for my kids. They are growing up so fast. I heard a claim recently that by the time your kids are 18, you've already spent 95% of the time you'll ever spend with them. Wow. I want to make as much of that count as I can.
I'll have more time for what's important to me now. We make time for what we prioritize. And for me right now that's family, getting to know people in our new town and building that community, 1:1 health coaching, as well as simple things like reading, being creative in the kitchen and building a vegetable garden (hopefully one day soon). I can't count the number of times I've caught myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone without even remembering picking it up. Or being aware that I'm scrolling, but shocked that 30 minutes just went by. Now, instead of toting my phone around with me everywhere I go, I try and keep my Kindle in sight. That way if I have downtime, I'll open that up and read for a few minutes instead.
I want to set a positive example for my kids. I remember someone saying that when our parents were distracted, or doing other things, it was obvious to us what those things were. They were talking on the phone, paying bills, reading the newspaper etc. Now, however, I may be doing these same things, but all my kids see is me staring at my phone. They have no idea if I'm looking at the calendar or scrolling social media. Of course I will have to use my phone in front of them from time to time, but I don't want them to feel that I'm not paying attention, or worse, that when I'm with them I need to mentally escape (even if that is the case occasionally!). I've also noticed how addictive my phone is for them, and they will often grab it when I'm not paying attention, unlock it and start looking at pictures and videos. I want to set a good example now so that when they have a phone of their own someday, I will have at least modeled a better way to use it. So now I'm making an effort to leave my phone in a cabinet or drawer so it's less tempting for all of us.
I prioritize my mental health. It's no secret that depression and mental health issues, especially for teens and young adults, have drastically increased in recent years. More and more we are living life through our phones, constantly comparing ourselves to others (often via highly edited pictures) while our brains are hijacked by algorithms designed to keep us addicted. Combine that with a global pandemic that has increased our isolation and forced connections to be more virtual and a tough 2020 in general, it's no wonder many people are struggling. I've learned a lot this this year about what I need to feel good mentally, and for me it boils down to this: move my body, get outside in nature, eat deliciously healthy food, put down my phone and pick up a book. Anything else is just a cherry on top.
If any of the above resonates with you, perhaps think about how you are using your phone and social media specifically, and consider making a change. Will I continue to use Instagram? Yes, as it is a wonderful way for me to share health and wellness information, find recipe inspiration and occasionally check in to see what my close friends are up to. But I'm going to access it via my computer as often as possible and really make an effort to publish more blog posts, recipes on my website and the email newsletter, which I've neglected the past several months. If there's any specific content or topic you'd like to see, please let me know! Comment below or email me at ngould@simplywellwithnatalie.com. I'd love to hear from you!