I’ve deleted Instagram before. More than once, actually. I’ve taken “short breaks,” “quiet seasons,” and even done the whole “I’m just posting to stories and not scrolling” thing. But this time? I hit delete and didn’t look back. No safety net, no “just in case” burner account. Gone.

And let me tell you—it was the exact reset I didn’t know I needed.

The Burnout I Couldn’t Ignore

You know the feeling. That low hum of pressure every time you open the app. Post daily. Engage in DMs. Use trending audio. Be authentic, but not too much. I was tired of creating for an algorithm that never seemed satisfied and showing up in ways that didn’t feel like me. The more I tried to “do it right,” the more disconnected I felt from the work I actually love: creating helpful content, serving my people, and growing a business with purpose.

So, I asked myself: What would happen if I just stopped?

Spoiler Alert: Everything Got Better

Without Instagram, I finally had the mental space to focus on what really works for my business—Pinterest and search-based content. I poured that time into writing blog posts, building my email list, and mapping out new ways to repurpose content I’d already created (what a concept, right?).

And guess what? My traffic didn’t tank. My income didn’t disappear. In fact, my Pinterest strategy kept doing its thing, working in the background while I actually breathed again. I even had my first 5-figure launch—without a single Instagram post.

Reclaiming Margin and Meaning

It turns out, when I stopped chasing attention, I started creating with intention. I had more patience with my kids. More clarity about where I want this business to go. And way more energy to build something sustainable—something that doesn’t require me to be “on” all day, every day.

Because here’s the truth: Instagram wasn’t broken. But my relationship with it was. I was showing up out of obligation, not joy. And once I gave myself permission to let it go, everything else fell into place.

What I’m Doing Instead

I doubled down on what actually brings growth:

• Pinterest – My main traffic driver, consistently bringing in over 2 million monthly views. Come hang out with me there!
• Email marketing – Real conversations with real people (not just likes and views). You can join the list HERE!
• My blog – Evergreen content that works long after I hit publish. You’re here and I’m so happy to welcome you!
• Digital products – Teaching other creators how to simplify and scale. I’ve got a promise to 25x allll that content that lived and died in 48 hours on Instagram.

And it’s working. I’m building a business that doesn’t depend on being constantly visible—it depends on smart systems, authentic connection, and content that lasts.

Thinking of Taking a Break Too?

Here’s your permission slip. You’re allowed to step away. You’re allowed to build differently. And you’re definitely allowed to grow a thriving business without feeling like a full-time performer.

You don’t need to be everywhere to be successful. You just need a plan that works for you.

xo,

𝓡𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓵

PS: If you’re a creator feeling burned out by social media but still want more traffic and income, I’d love to show you how I did it with content you already have. Check out my course, How to 25x Your Traffic and Make More Money with Already-Created Content.