What I Learned from Two Weeks Off Social Media

For years, I believed social media was the backbone of my business. Taking a break from social media showed me that not only is my business thriving without it—and so am I.

Why I Took a Break

As we approached the festive period in 2024, I had a nagging feeling that I really needed to rest my nervous system.

Without getting too personal, I’ve had some health things crop up, and although it’s nothing serious or life threatening, it is something I need to be mindful of.

As I reflected on my mental health and the potential burnout from Instagram, I realised I needed to give myself space to recharge.

So when I began to think about taking a break from social media for Christmas, I felt excited.

I haven’t been properly “offline” in a very long time. I can’t remember a time before this where I didn’t log onto Instagram every day.

On December 17th, I logged off.

As I write this, it’s January 3rd, and I’ve not used Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn once. The only “social media” that I’ve used (and they’re not really even social media) are Youtube and Pinterest.

Two weeks of no scrolling or notifications reminded me why spending less time on social media in 2025 might be one of the best decisions I make.

So why did it feel so scary to step away in the first place?

Cornwall walk and watercolour painting

The Fears I Had About Taking a Break

Logging off Instagram for two weeks might not sound like much to a lot of people, but to me it felt like a big deal.

I genuinely had thoughts like:

“Will taking a break from social media mean that I miss out on any photography business opportunities?”

“Will I be forgotten about?”

Of course, none of that actually happened - especially at at time of year when everyone was off work.

The Reality of my Experience

In fact, none of those things ended up happening (at least, that I know of).

What happened instead was:

• I’ve actually switched off from work

• I’ve explored different creative projects outside of photography for the first time in years, and LOVED it

• I’ve recharged my brain

• I’ve got loads of new ideas

• I’ve read 4 books

• I’ve watched great TV shows

• I’ve been for loads of walks

• I’ve seen all my friends

• my spending has gone way down

• my phones battery has lasted SO WELL!

What I’ve Learned

It turns out, social media isn’t a lifeline. It’s not something that I actually NEED to spend time on. This might sound SO dramatic for someone who doesn’t use social media that much, but I was on Instagram (my poison of choice) SO MUCH.

This experiment showed me that taking a break from social media isn’t just beneficial—it’s transformative.

As I plan for 2025, I’m thinking seriously about why I’m spending less time on social media and focusing on long-term strategies instead.

How I’ll be using social media going forward

As a photographer and artist, I still feel I need a presence on social media, so I will be showing up. Will I be spending as much time on social media as I used to? I really don’t think so.

My focus instead is going to be doubling down on creating meaningful, long term relationships.

That means more email outreach.

More networking in person.

More long form content creation to drive traffic to my website (my blog).

I’m seriously thinking about going all in on YouTube, too.

In terms of how I plan to show up on Instagram, I think I’ll share the occasional story.

I’ll share latest work projects. I’ll check in once a day to reply to DMs.

But notifications? They’re staying off.

The apps? They’re hidden at the back of my phone.

Most of all, I’m actually really excited to share with YOU how I find marketing myself and living as a fashion photographer and artist WITHOUT Instagram.

Because I KNOW that I’m not the only one who feels this way.

If you’re feeling burnt out from Instagram, maybe it’s time to step back and reflect on how taking a break from social media could benefit your life too.