Returning to Social Media After My Digital Sabbatical
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a break from social media? My digital sabbatical ends tomorrow! I’m sharing what this past month has been like and what I learned. As I re-enter the world of social media, there are a few things I want to do differently!
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My month-long digital sabbatical officially ends tomorrow. I’m talking about what this past month has been like, what I’ve learned, and what I want to do differently as I re-enter the world of social media.
What is a Digital Sabbatical and Why Did I Take One?
I shared details about my digital sabbatical last month in this episode: Preparing for a Digital Sabbatical
My “rules” for this sabbatical are to take a month-long break from Instagram, Facebook, listening to podcasts + audiobooks, and also no blogging.
I’ve planned 2 sabbaticals for 2020, one in July and one in December. I thought we’d be traveling and spending time with family and I wanted to create extra space for myself. Click here to read more about my goals for being 35.
As things turned out with coronavirus, we’re not traveling… but I was feeling exhausted by Instagram especially. Even though the conditions have changed, it feels like this sabbatical arrived at the perfect time.
What It’s Been Like to Not Be Online All the Time
It’s been wonderful to take off the pressure to consume and keep up.
I have really enjoyed not feeling like I need to create constantly.
It is definitely a bit quieter inside my mind.
Not listening to audiobooks and podcasts has forced me to listen to music.
Good ideas have been coming to me and integration is happening!
Three Biggest Surprises from Taking a Month Off Instagram and Facebook
I don’t really miss social media.
I don’t feel like I have a ton of extra time
It feels normal not to be on Instagram.
I thought I would feel different or weird, not being on Instagram, but I don’t. This has helped me realize that I was filling space that doesn’t need or want to be filled with content that I don’t actually need.
What I Want to Do Differently when I Re-Join Social Media
On Instagram
Spruce up my scroll. I’m going to unfollow + mute accounts that aren’t aligning. We’re allowed to curate our experience!
Focus on how I show up + share. I want to be of service and value… I don’t want to add to the noise.
Get in and get out. I’m considering only being “on” Instagram for specific times, maybe Tuesdays and Thursdays.
On Facebook
Radial unfollow. Several months ago, I unfollowed every single one of my friends. When I log into Facebook, there is no news feed at all. It’s empty. It’s bliss.
Group clean out. I’m going to clean out my groups to only have the ones that I’m an active participant in.
On Twitter
Flow with the nudge. I know this is strange, but I have a weird pull back to Twitter. I want to update my profile, start sharing and connecting to see if it resonates. Are you on Twitter… please let me know!!? I’m @kaileenelise.
On Podcasts + Audiobooks
Enjoy audiobooks again! Here are all the books I’ve downloaded on my various accounts:
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan Van Ness
Switch to Libro.fm. Once I’ve listened to all of these, I’m making the official switch to Libro.fm, which enables me to support a local Black-owned bookshop with my audiobook purchases.
Music on runs. This has been way more motivating for me. Here’s my current playlist.
Low-key podcast listening. One of my clients said she deletes any podcasts that she didn’t get to that week so that she doesn’t feel the pressure to keep up. Such a brilliant idea. I’m going to play around with this.
Apps + Alerts
Keep apps minimal. Continue to set up systems and boundaries to help me stay off my phone. I love getting things done on my computer, so that’s where I’d rather spend my time.
No red badges. No buzzing or pinging. I come to things when I come to them… eliminating most alerts gives me space to focus.
Edge away from email. I’m only checking email a few times a day and I’d like to continue edging that back so email is an actual to-do vs. something I’m in and out of constantly.
Thank You for Reviewing the Podcast
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@ tbun3, thank you for this wonderful review,
Filling MY bucket. I find Kaileen’s podcast to be a time of self pampering for me. It is something I look forward to each week and it feels like a way of filling my bucket instead of everyone else’s. I have really enjoyed listening to her, trying things she has recommended/mentioned and find her to be very inspiring.
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Credits
Theme song is Wildflowers by Gyom
Image by Angela Doran
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