Unfollowing Self- Help for a Peace of Mind
In my mid twenties, I subscribed to countless social media accounts on Instagram, YouTube and podcasts to learn about health, nutrition, optimising performance, psychology and other topics. Although I applied a lot of valuable information, I was consuming a lot of content everyday. I became hyper- focused on my perceived flaws, fixated on improving myself, and unconsciously chasing perfection. Ironically, what I thought would help improve my livelihood, led to feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and pressured to live and be a certain way.
“There was always the ‘next best’ routine to adopt, the next ‘best version’ to become, the ‘top 3 things we must do’ in order to gain this and that…”
I gradually lost sight of all the milestones I’ve reached, the challenges I’ve overcome and the healing I’ve done that has shaped me into the person that I am today.
Online Self-Help - A Benefit or a Cost?
Living in a well developed country like Australia, there is boundless information available at the end of our fingertips. Although this is an absolute privilege, if we are not consuming content mindfully even if it is to improve our health and wellbeing, this can cost us our energy, presence and peace.
Do you agree?
From being repelled by self-help content this year, I’ve been creating stronger boundaries with social media. One way is by doing an audit on the social media accounts I follow.
The Social Media Audit & Checklist
Below are questions, a check-list you could say to determine how I unfollow a self-help social media account. You can reflect on these questions if you would like to do this too. Some questions can be applied to other types of accounts that you follow.
If it is a mostly yes to the questions above, I continue following them. However, if it is mostly No, I unfollow the account.
What have the benefits been from unfollowing?
From reducing exposure to health and personal development information, the pressure I once felt to eat, live, and be a certain way has significantly dropped.
I now feel in control with my pace of learning and growth. I am steadily applying what I learn.
As someone who loves to write and educate, I can express my ideas and perspectives from a more authentic and grounded place.
Learning offline
Below are some places I’ve been learning more from which don’t require a digital device.
Self-reflection - We can learn a lot from reviewing our behaviour, feelings, habits and experiences in everyday life.
Listening to the Body- Our body is constantly providing us information; on areas of tension, signs of fatigue, symptoms and what it feels like when we are healthy and full of vitality.
Physical Connection - I see every person in my life as a teacher bringing their own perspectives and experiences. They can help bring clarity, solutions and be the catalyst to our growth.
Environment- Whether travelling or simply being in your everyday environment, our surroundings provides us with information on what and who adds joy, inspiration and supports us.
Presence- Being fully present can be a challenge these days. We can start by drawing our attention to each of our five senses and notice how it feels when we are truly present with others and our surroundings.
Solitude- Spending time in solitude helps to filter out other people’s opinions and perspectives to our own. In solitude, we can also come up with creative solutions to address our challenges and make the next best decision that feels true to us.
Final thoughts
Having once been consumed by social media, I have found a more balanced and steady approach to learning. I am embracing my own pace of growth, one that feels more in alignment with nature’s rhythm.
What is your experience with learning on social media? Has it ultimately been helpful? Or has it caused the opposite?
Share thoughts below or send a DM to Instagram bloombycherie. Feel free to share this article to anyone you feel this would help too.
