In defense of being on Instagram
Very recently I had a huge breakdown. Mostly because of something that had happened in the past. I kept crying for a week, even though I knew the reason why this was happening I couldn’t understand the reason I was crying. There was nothing unusual in my routine. If you see it from the outside.
It constitutes Yoga, Meditation, reading books, having food on time, a balanced work schedule, and enough entertainment in the evening. One thing I was lacking in my life was my relationships. People! How did I even?
You need emotional support, you are a social animal, and now more than ever, in this social distancing situation you need a social life. Even if it is virtual. I deleted my Instagram because I thought it will free up my time so that I could be more “productive”.
Every time I talked to my close friends for more than that assigned time, I felt guilty that I didn’t use that time instead to work or make something to “be productive”. I didn’t take into account that talking to people you love talking to, is as productive as finishing a project, if not more.
Because it’s for your emotional and mental health. Taking care of emotional health, asking for help when you need it, and being vulnerable is being productive. Buying into hustle culture which deprives you of social life, is not.
Also, speaking from my experience. You won’t notice it until shit hits the fan. This isn’t supposed to be a sob story, just a reminder that people around you care. You care about them too, so there nothing wrong with spending time with them as long as it doesn’t affect your creative/work schedule. And occasionally, scrolling on Instagram and commenting on your friends’ amazing posts can be grounding.
Recommended reading, Untamed by Glennon Doyle
