Why I deleted my social media

Social media seems to have taken over every aspect of our lives, so deleting my accounts felt both liberating and daunting. The primary catalyst for this change was my growing realization of how much time I spent on Instagram and the negative impact it had on my mental health.

The Time Trap and Mental Health Decline

Week after week, Instagram was the app I found myself using the most. This wasn't just a matter of time management; it was a significant factor in my deteriorating mental health. Instead of feeling connected and inspired, I often ended up feeling worse. The endless stream of posts from other fitness professionals was particularly frustrating. Many were promoting bad advice and quick fixes, which only added to the confusion and misinformation in the fitness community.

Toxic Interactions and Comparisons

What was even more alarming were the interactions I witnessed in the comments section. People were saying horrible things to each other, and the toxicity was palpable. It wasn't just about the disagreements; it was the sheer venom in their words that was disheartening.

The Thief of Joy

I found myself constantly comparing my life, my achievements, and my appearance to others. This comparison game left me feeling inadequate and deeply dissatisfied with myself and humanity in general. I was participating in a race I could not win, and winning wasn’t even a thing I wanted to do.

The Breaking Point

Despite the negativity, I was spending a significant amount of time in this unhealthy environment. It became clear that there was nothing redeeming about what I was seeing. The constant barrage of negativity and comparison was taking a toll on my self-esteem and overall outlook on life. One day, my wife sent me a couple of posts for the sake of a “can you believe this” conversation. It was just too much. I had to do something.

I’ve deleted the app from my phone before and culled down the number of people I followed as well, but that never solved the problem. This time, I had to delete my account and be done.

Life After Social Media

Since deleting my social media accounts, the most noticeable change has been in my mental well-being. I feel better about myself and have a more optimistic view of the world. I'm no longer discouraged by the often disheartening realities presented on social media. Instead, I have more time to focus on meaningful activities that contribute to my personal growth and happiness.

Staying Connected Without Social Media

One might wonder how I stay connected with friends and family without social media. The truth is, I never relied on social media for close connections. Those who matter have my phone number, and we stay in touch through calls and texts. This more personal form of communication feels much more genuine and fulfilling.

Encouragement for Others

If you're considering stepping away from social media, my advice is to go cold turkey. The initial struggle comes from the fear of missing out (FOMO), but in reality, you're not missing anything of true importance. This perception of missing out is just that—a perception. The freedom you gain when you untether yourself from social media is incredible. It allows you to live more authentically and focus on what truly matters.

Deleting my social media accounts has been one of the best decisions for my mental health and overall well-being. It's freed me from the constant negativity and comparison, and I now have more time and energy to invest in things that genuinely enrich my life. If you're feeling overwhelmed by social media, I highly encourage you to break the hold it has on your life and go do something more fulfilling with your time.

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