I Took a Social Media Hiatus — Here Are The Top 3 Things I Learned

We live in a world that’s constantly asking us to share, scroll and keep up — even when we don’t feel like it. A few months ago, I decided to take a proper social media hiatus, and what I gained in that time completely shifted how I view creativity, connection and even my daily life.

This wasn’t about disappearing forever or swearing off Instagram. It was about pausing long enough to reconnect with why I show up online in the first place — and whether I even want to.

I Don’t Care About Likes Anymore (And That’s a Good Thing)

Before my social media hiatus, I’d often tie the value of my content to how many likes it got. But in the quiet, I realised something: likes don’t mean anything to me unless they come from people who genuinely connect with what I do.

What I missed most wasn’t the numbers — it was creating something meaningful. Content that resonates. Stories that inspire. That feeling of knowing someone on the other side of the screen felt seen or uplifted. That’s what I needed to reconnect with.

Social Media Was Stealing My Focus

This one hit hard. The endless scrolling, the silent comparisons — they were draining me more than I realised. I’d find myself feeling behind, questioning my own progress just because someone else was posting their wins.

But once I stepped away, I noticed how much more time and mental energy I had to actually focus on my life. I started planning again. Dreaming again. Putting in real, focused work toward what I wanted. I’m still not where I want to be — but I’m present. And that’s the most important step.

I Started Capturing Moments Just for Me

No perfect angles. No filters. Just quiet, simple memories.

I used to take photos or videos for content. But during my social media hiatus, I started capturing things because they mattered to me — not for engagement, not for the grid. A walk. A messy lunch. A sunset. Moments that would have slipped by unnoticed if I was too busy editing or composing.

Those everyday sparks — they’re what make life feel full. Not everything has to be aesthetic to be beautiful.

Final Thought

Taking a break helped me remember that the best parts of life don’t always live on the feed. They happen when no one is watching.

So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little lost online, maybe it’s time for your own social media hiatus. Not as a dramatic exit — but as a gentle return to yourself.