My annual Instagram break in the winter has lasted longer than usual and I can’t really complain! I’ve posted less often in the winter because it’s hard to take pictures outside in Toronto in the cold. In the past, I lost some followers between December and February as a result. It was noticeable, but not a big deal and then I gained more in warmer months.
This year, I was prepared to take a similar Instagram break. I can only post so many pictures in front of my white walls at home. By the time winter ended, I had a few ideas for new posts, including outfits and locations. Unfortunately, due to the lockdown, I didn’t want to take more pictures when spring arrived because hair salons were closed in Toronto. (The photo in this post is from 6 months ago!)
My last hair appointment was in September before my birthday. I refuse to smile and pose knowing you might see my white hairs. I’m not quite 30 yet and I have too many! My photos are usually unedited and I intend to keep it that way. Plus, if I might only get 20 likes on a photo, I better like how I look before letting strangers judge me. I’m building an archive about my life and sometimes I can be my worst critic.
I tried to accept that I was taking a break from Instagram because I couldn’t go to the hair salon and then at one point the government announced a reopening date. Everyone was relieved including me. I even tweeted and posted on IG Stories about it to acknowledge how it forced me to take a break, but I’ll be back soon! Well, the government changed their mind, so that extended my break. The waiting game has been frustrating and I look forward to feeling more confident about how I look again.
I don’t miss posting pictures of myself on Instagram. Taking a break from Instagram has helped my mental health. I don’t miss refreshing my notifications! Eliminating stress around how my posts look or perform made it easier to deal with the pandemic.
People like Jenna Kutcher preach about how posting pictures of your face will help you grow. What they don’t tell you is that if you take a break for a month or more, nothing bad happens!
Last year I wrote about how I was excited to hit 500 followers on Instagram. I’ve maintained my 500 followers and it fluctuates around 525, occasionally going up or down by 1-2 people. I believe that when I’m ready to post, I’ll show up for my most engaged followers again. I call them the usuals. For another perspective on taking an Instagram break with a larger account, I recommend watching Vanessa Lau on YouTube.
In the meantime, I’ve focused on my website and other apps like Clubhouse. I updated my about page for the first time in 4 years. While working in marketing, I still write about fashion and entertainment every day, which is fun!
Someday I’ll refresh my look with a mini makeover again and I’ll take more pictures. Until then, I’ll keep scrolling and thinking about what I’d like to do with my account next. Follow me on Instagram to see what’s hot!