Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of perfectly curated lives, endless opinions, and constant notifications? I did. It got to the point where picking up my phone felt more like a chore than a source of connection or entertainment. I’d doomscroll through endless reels, only to put my phone down feeling drained and, honestly, a little bit worse about myself. That constant influx of information, the pressure to keep up, and the subtle comparisons started taking a toll on my mental wellbeing. Something had to give.
The Great Social Media Purge
It wasn't a snap decision, but it was a necessary one. I started to realize that a huge chunk of the accounts I followed no longer resonated with me. Some were old high school acquaintances whose lives had diverged wildly from mine (which is perfectly normal, of course!), others were influencers selling products I didn't need, and still others were sources of constant negativity or comparison. I needed space to breathe and reconnect withmyself, so I decided to unfollow accounts until I was only following the ones that brought me genuine joy, inspiration, or valuable information. That meant cutting loose about 90% of my feed.
It sounds dramatic, doesn't it? A purge.But honestly, it was more like a spring cleaning for my brain. And the results? Pretty incredible.
The biggest change was a newfound sense of calm. Suddenly, the constant stream of noise had quieted down. I wasn't bombarded with opinions on every trending topic, ads for things I didn't want, or highlight reels showcasing lifestyles that felt unattainable. I could actuallyhearmy own thoughts again. I found myself spending less time mindlessly scrolling and more time engaging in activities I actually enjoyed: reading, writing, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends in real life.
It wasn't just about reducing the noise, though. It was also about consciously curating a feed that supported my values and aspirations. I replaced the accounts I unfollowed with creators who inspired me, educators who taught me something new, and friends and family whose posts genuinely made me smile. I prioritized accounts that promoted body positivity, mental health awareness, and sustainable living. Suddenly, my social media experience felt less like a competition and more like a supportive community.
Here's the interesting thing: I didn't miss the accounts I unfollowed. Not even a little bit. In fact, I felt a sense of relief every time I opened the apps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, I felt inspired and connected.
This wasn't just about quitting social media altogether (although I have nothing against that!). It was about consciously reclaiming my attention and creating a digital environment that served me, rather than the other way around. It’s about practicing mindful living in the digital age.
How does simplifying your day reduce stress?
Think of it like this: every decision, every notification, every piece of information you consume throughout the day requires mental energy. Even seemingly small things, like choosing what to watch on Netflix or scrolling through social media, can contribute to decision fatigue and mental overwhelm. When you simplify your day by reducing the number of choices you have to make and the amount of information you have to process, you free up mental space and energy. This allows you to focus on the things that truly matter, like your relationships, your work, and your personal well-being.
For example, maybe you decide to wear the same basic outfit every day (a la Steve Jobs). Or maybe you meal prep on the weekends so you don't have to worry about what to eat during the week. Or maybe you unfollow hundreds of social media accounts that aren’t relevant to your core values. These small acts of simplification can add up to a significant reduction in stress and an increase in overall well-being. You gain mental clarity, which is essential for slow living.
What are easy ways to live more mindfully?
Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It's about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting carried away by them. And it's a practice that can be incorporated into your daily life in small, easy ways.
One simple way to live more mindfully is to focus on your breath. Take a few moments each day to simply sit quietly and observe your breath as it enters and leaves your body. Notice the sensation of the air moving in and out of your lungs. When your mind wanders (and it will!), gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Another way to practice mindfulness is to pay attention to your senses. When you're eating, really taste the food. Notice the flavors, the textures, and the aromas. When you're walking, pay attention to the feeling of your feet on the ground. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
You can also incorporate mindfulness into your daily routines. For example, when you're washing dishes, focus on the feeling of the water on your hands and the sound of the dishes clinking together. When you're brushing your teeth, pay attention to the sensation of the toothbrush on your teeth.
The key is to simply be present in whatever you're doing. Don't worry about doing it perfectly. Just focus on paying attention to the present moment, and you'll start to experience the benefits of mindfulness. Digital detox practices can assist here, to give you the initial boost of separation you need.
Is minimalism the same as simple living?
While minimalism and simple living share some similarities, they are not exactly the same thing. Minimalism is primarily focused on reducing possessions and living with only the essentials. It's about intentionally getting rid of things that don't add value to your life and focusing on quality over quantity.
Simple living, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses more than just material possessions. It's about living a more intentional and meaningful life by simplifying all aspects of your life, including your relationships, your work, and your lifestyle. It involves slowing down, prioritizing experiences over things, and connecting with nature and your community.
While a minimalist lifestyle can certainly be a part of simple living, it's not the whole picture. You can be a minimalist without necessarily embracing all aspects of simple living, and you can live a simple life without being a strict minimalist. The key is to find what works best for you and to create a life that aligns with your values and priorities.
The most important takeaway here is the conscious selection of content. Don't let algorithms dictate what you see. Choose what empowers you, educates you, or simply makes you happy. It's your feed, your attention, and ultimately, your mental space. Take ownership of it.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your social media feed, I encourage you to try a similar experiment. Unfollow the accounts that no longer serve you and curate a feed that supports your well-being. It might feel scary at first, but I promise you, it's worth it. The benefits of mental clarity, reduced stress, and increased connection with yourself are priceless. Maybe start with just five or ten accounts this week. Notice how you feel. You might be surprised at how much lighter you feel. Reclaiming your digital space is an act of self-care, and it's one of the best things you can do for your mental and emotional wellbeing. It is a key to mindful living in a world that often demands our attention.
Now, I'm off to enjoy some quiet time, free from the constant buzz of social media. Maybe I'll read a book, take a walk in nature, or simply sit and breathe. Whatever I do, I'll be doing it with intention and presence. And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.