You’re Not “Off the Grid”—You’re Just Tired of Performing
Not posting doesn’t mean you disappeared. It means you’re resting from the performance of being “on.” Social rest is valid. You’re allowed to step back without a Notes-app essay, a promise to return, or an apology tour. Here’s how to take a quiet break and protect your peace.
Why Social Rest Matters
- Attention is finite: Constant sharing drains focus and creativity.
- Nervous system relief: Fewer eyes = less vigilance.
- Real life first: Presence returns when performance pauses.
Low-Drama Exit (and Re-Entry) Scripts
- “Taking a quieter season. Replies may be slow.”
- “Off apps on weekends. Email for anything urgent.”
- “Not posting much—enjoying offline.”
3 Modes of Social Rest
- Quiet Mode: Keep the apps; stop posting. Lurk, save, log off.
- Low-Feed Mode: Unfollow/mute noise; follow art, long reads, close friends only.
- Essential-Only Mode: Use DMs or one platform for logistics; everything else sleeps.
Protect Your Peace (Practical)
- Move social apps off the first screen. Turn off non-human notifications.
- Post on a delay (share weekly, not live).
- Keep a private camera roll album called “for me only.”
- Set office hours for DMs (e.g., 6–7 pm). Outside that, not urgent.
When People Ask “Where Have You Been?”
- “Resting my brain a bit.”
- “Living first, posting later.”
- “I’m good—just offline more on purpose.”
Re-Enter Without Pressure
- Share one photo, one sentence. No catch-up required.
- Return with rules (e.g., 2 posts/week, no comments after 9 pm).
- Keep some moments unposted—sacred by design.
Final Thoughts
You don’t owe the internet your energy. Take social rest without explanation. When (or if) you return, let it serve your life—not run it.
More from Ichhori: