Social Media, But Make It Intentional
Stepping away from social media for two years gave me space. Space to recalibrate, to focus on what truly matters, and to reconnect—with my work, my creativity, and the way I want to show up.
Now, as I return, I’m doing so with fresh energy, clearer boundaries, and a deep trust in the fact that I don’t have to do it the way I did before. Social media can be expansive, creative, and connective—but only when it’s used with intention. And that’s where I’m choosing to focus.
Reconnecting to Why
Before, social media felt like something I had to keep up with. Like an open tab in my brain, always running in the background. Now, I keep a posting schedule—not to feed the algorithm, but to make space. I set aside time to post, to engage, to connect with creators and friends who inspire me. And when I’m done? I’m done. Social media isn’t in my life moment to moment anymore.
Which shouldn’t feel as wild as it does.
I’m no longer the person who instinctively reaches for my phone in every quiet moment, scrolling just because there’s time to fill. And honestly? That shift has been huge.
The Mental Load of Too Many Lives
We weren’t built to carry the weight of hundreds of people’s lives every single day. World politics aside, the sheer volume of information we absorb on social media is exhausting.
To absorb snippets of everyone else’s careers, relationships, home renovations, parenting choices, weekend plans, and oat milk lattes. The constant stream of other people's lives makes it hard to see your own clearly.
Lucy from high school—who I haven’t seen in 15 years—is in Bali? Cool for her. But I wasn’t meant to know that. My brain wasn’t designed to process the daily highlights of 300+ people, or to constantly compare my own life against theirs. It’s too much. No wonder it’s hard to feel grounded in your own reality.
Choosing How to Engage
Stepping back gave me perspective. Without social media, I noticed how much time and mental energy it had quietly taken up. The constant checking, the subtle pressure to post, the endless stream of other people’s lives. It adds up.
So this time, I’m choosing to engage differently. I post, then I delete the app. I redownload it when I choose to check in, instead of having it there as an automatic escape. I ask myself why I’m posting, who it’s for, what it serves. And sometimes, the answer is deep—something I want to share, something that might help someone else. Other times, it’s just something lighthearted, because not everything has to be deep.
The difference is, I’m stepping outside the need to keep up.
Making Social Media Work for Me
If social media feels overwhelming, it’s okay to step back. To reshape your relationship with it. To decide how you want it to fit into your life. Some things that have helped me:
✨ Keeping a posting schedule – Not for the algorithm, but to set aside time to enjoy sharing and engaging—without it creeping into every moment of my day.
✨ Asking why before I post – Is this meaningful? Fun? Just for me? There’s no wrong answer, but the pause makes a difference.
✨ Noticing what drains vs. what energises – Muting, unfollowing, or limiting the content that doesn’t feel good.
✨ Setting actual boundaries – Whether it’s deleting the app after posting, setting time limits, or deciding when I want to engage—it’s about creating space.
I’ll Keep You Posted
For me, social media isn’t about keeping up anymore. It’s not about posting for the sake of it. It’s not about letting it take up more space than I want it to.
Instead, it’s about using it in a way that works for me. A way that adds to my life, rather than pulling from it. A way that lets me share, connect, and create—without losing myself in the scroll.
This is the approach I’m taking. I’ll let you know how it goes.
