If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m always looking for ways to do life differently. Whether it’s in business, family, or personal growth, I’ve learned that stepping away from the norm often leads to the most profound transformations.
So, in December, I’m doing something I’d never done before: quitting Instagram for an entire month. This decision didn’t come lightly, but I can already tell you, it was one of the most refreshing and revealing experiments I’ve ever done.
Here’s what led me to this decision and the surprising lessons I learned along the way.
The “Why” Behind the Break
December is often one of the busiest months of the year for so many of us. Between holiday prep, wrapping up business goals, and juggling family life, it’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred different directions. I started to notice how much time I was spending on Instagram, even when I didn’t want to be. It had become a reflex — a default distraction that wasn’t adding value to my life.
Worse, I realized that Instagram wasn’t just eating into my time; it was stealing my presence. Instead of soaking up moments with my family or diving deep into creative projects, I was scrolling. And while there’s nothing wrong with social media in moderation, I knew it was time for a reset.
The Fears I Had About Quitting Instagram
Let’s be real: as an entrepreneur, quitting Instagram felt scary. It’s one of the main ways I connect with my audience, share my work, and grow my business. What if stepping away hurt my engagement? What if I lost momentum?
I also worried about the personal side of it. Would I feel out of the loop? Would I miss important updates from friends or trends in my industry?
But I reminded myself that taking this break wasn’t about abandoning social media forever. It was about stepping back to recalibrate, reassess, and reclaim my time.
What I’m Learning
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Time Is More Abundant Than We Think
Within days of deleting the app, I noticed how much more space I had in my day. Instead of losing 20 minutes here and there to mindless scrolling, I found time to read, journal, and even rest. I realized that the scarcity of time I often felt was, in part, self-inflicted.
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Presence Is a Gift
Without Instagram pulling at my attention, I was able to be fully present with my family. I noticed the little things — the way my kids’ laughter filled the room, the joy of an uninterrupted conversation with my husband, and the peace of simply being still.
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Comparison Fades When You Step Away
Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison. But with Instagram out of the picture, I found myself more content with my own journey. I wasn’t measuring my life against someone else’s highlight reel, and that was incredibly freeing.
Will I Quit Instagram Again?
The short answer? Probably! This experiment reminded me of the importance of setting boundaries with technology. While I don’t plan to leave Instagram permanently, I do want to approach it with more intention moving forward. That might mean setting limits on my screen time, unfollowing accounts that don’t inspire me, or scheduling regular breaks to reset.
My Challenge to You
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media, I challenge you to take a break — even if it’s just for a week. You don’t have to do it perfectly, and it doesn’t have to be permanent. But stepping away, even temporarily, can give you a fresh perspective on what truly matters.
Let me know if you decide to give it a try. And if you want to hear more about my experience, you can check out the full podcast episode below.
Listen here : itunes
Listen here : spotify
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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