Have you noticed that your Instagram feed is different from previous years? Instagram has changed its algorithm completely from before. Now, you may not see the people you actually know or care about often, but instead, you are shown other accounts with higher reach.
Many people, including myself, follow accounts of people that we might not know personally, however, they either followed us and we followed back or vice versa. Some people show support and love through liking one’s photo/video, commenting or sharing through stories and some simply do not. Some people just follow you to keep up with what you’re doing or to compete with you. Whatever their intentions are has nothing to do with you. All you can do is control what you can control, and in this case, it’s who and what you follow and choose to engage in. With that being said, it can get annoying being on the social media app sometimes especially when you’re bored or just want a break from what’s going on.
Personally, I had to take a break/cleanse from Instagram over this past spring and summer of 2020. I did not know what was going on why I felt the way I did, but it was weird. I was always happy for others, however, at the time, I felt bad about myself and where I was at in my life. I stopped posting, I lost followers, and I was simply paying too much attention to this app. I took some of these actions and it paid off for me because now I can enjoy my Instagram feed and still feel good after leaving the app, versus how I used to leave the app upset. Here are some tips on how to use Instagram so it can be more appealing and positive for you.
Follow Accounts Geared Towards Your Interests
When you do this, you become inspired and motivated. This is beneficial to you and your feed because you will be feeding your mind what it needs. Instead of consuming posts that do not fit your needs, you can follow people, places, and things you like. This will help you enjoy being on the app more. Also, if you follow accounts based on your interests or passions, you will always have the inspiration and drive to accomplish anything you put your mind to. It also helps to find your community. Whether you’re into gaming, fashion, natural hair, travel, beauty, anything; there is a community out there for it and for you. When consuming positivity, it takes over your overall mood and views and helps you not become sad or stagnant.
Unfollow Unhealthy Accounts
By unfollowing unhealthy accounts, it will help in a tremendous way. By unhealthy accounts, I mean accounts that make you feel worse about yourself or that are negative. These accounts can include people photoshopping their posts, someone whose lifestyle is completely different from yours in a way that makes you feel bad about your own situation or self, people who engage in activity that you no longer engage in or agree with, etc. If you follow nothing but ‘Instagram models’, then you will find yourself comparing yourself to those who either got surgeries/work done on themselves or that edit their photos. If you follow people from high school just because you know them but do not agree with how they live their life or the things they say, then you do not have to be subject to following them forever, simply unfollow them. If someone is always posting their money, and the things they do, care they drive, or places they go and you do not relate or feel worse, just unfollow. Also, do not be afraid to unfollow. If you are worried about the other person’s reaction then you are worried about the wrong thing. You need to be worried about yourself and how you feel. When you unfollow these accounts you will ultimately feel a weight lifted off your shoulders. Out of sight, out of mind.
What Works for Me
When I took a break from Instagram and social media in general, I had to keep myself busy and try to live a healthier and more positive lifestyle. I started reading more books, articles, and blogs to help me along the way. While reading one particular blog, I found a community that fits my mindset and helped me gain a different perspective on life. This blog helped me and other like-minded individuals and provided us with a platform, Instagram, to connect and share. This helped me find Instagram more appealing to use. Some of the accounts I followed that help me feel positive and motivated are as followed:
- @Thirdeyethoughts
- @SoulGuidence
- @GaryVee
- @Lawofattractionlive
- @Bossbabe.inc
These are just a few accounts that I have followed and that provides me with a sense of community, positivity, and no self-judgment. You do not personally have to follow these accounts too, but just check them out or use this as a motivation to seek out accounts that work for you.
Instagram can become very overwhelming, especially now since there’s not much to do and our lives have been altered beyond our control and power. This does not mean, do not use Instagram, however just take a break here and there. Also, implement these changes to your Instagram and watch your feed and yourself become more positive and happier for the better. Hope this works for you just as well!
