Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by foxintheforest

I’m interuptping my regularly-scheduled content to share a little story with you about social media and the outdoors.

You may have noticed that this blog doesn’t have any social media accounts. If you’ve been following along for the past few years, this may come as a bit of a surprise to many of you – especially to those who have enjoyed my ramblings across social platforms over the years.

One thing everyone tells you about blogging is that you NEED socials to be successful. I once had a super-healthy Instagram account, Facebook, Twitter, the works.

I was constantly engaged on socials. Thinking “my followers need XYZ.” I found the more I engaged the more I became a slave to the little black box I carry around.

I wanted out, but all the business advice I ever received was, keep it and stay online.

However, what I’ve found after nearly a decade of blogging and owning my own business, is that you really don’t need social media to be successful at well – anything!

So I quit. Forever.

My Struggle with Social Media and the Outdoors

When I started my blog 5 (gulp) years ago, I thought socials were the tools that would bring me success. I always loved photography (duh, just look at this blog) and IG was my favorite platform.

But as the years went on I realized that these platforms were infiltrating my every move. I’d spend more time shooting short videos on my outdoor adventures for my IG stories than I was smiling and soaking in the moment I was immersed in.

I’d find myself scrolling through other people’s fake highlight reels feeling jealous. FOMO was real. And as a creator, that quickly morphed into feelings of being an imposter. Never good enough.

Meanwhile, I was getting PAID to climb in Thailand. I had this dream career where I could make money while I hiked. People hired me to climb mountains and document the adventure. But I’d see one photo on IG and feel like my life was meaningless. How silly is that?

In late 2019 it became apparent that social media wasn’t having a good affect on my mental health. I wanted out.

So I slowly stop-started with the platforms. Then 2020 happened.

The pandemic changed us in so many different ways and for me, I realized I wanted more genuine connections in my life. So I made it a point to quit social media permanently in 2021.

Why I Quit Social Media

Listen, my mission has ALWAYS been to empower you to get outside and have an adventure. For me, adventuring is all about being away from the screen.

It’s a time to reset. Focus on where you are. What your body is doing. And building a sense of strength in a gorgeous setting.

It’s about the incredible friendships I’ve developed by getting outside with the amazingly close-knit friend-family I’ve created in my life.

For me, getting outside is nothing about documenting the experience for the world to see. It’s a personal journey that a few close-knit friends get to enjoy with me.

Then I come to the blog, where I share my experiences with you so that you can get out there and create meaningful memories too.

These are the moments and things I will cherish forever. Not how many double-taps I got on an IG post.

I decided I wanted to live by the values I create on my blog and my business as a whole.

So in early 2021, I signed out of my personal Facebook account indefinitely. I deleted all of my business social media. Deleted Instagram, permanently shut off Twitter, and deactivated my blog’s Facebook account.

I no longer use socials for anything and I haven’t been on the platforms in months.

Simply put, I want to create a community where people don’t feel the need to constantly be engaged with the endless chatter online and instead tune into nature.

Quitting Social Media and Blogging

A lot of my blogging colleagues think I’m crazy to not have socials.

“There’s no way I could do it.” They would say.

But here’s the thing. SO MUCH has happened since I quit social media with my blog.

I actually make MORE money and work LESS than I EVER have before. Yippee!

My photography – a life-long passion of mine – has improved tenfold since getting off of social media.

I feel like I have my own thoughts, opinions, and ideas that are valid and worthy. I feel like I am loved now more than ever.

My senses have awakened since I quit social media. The birds chirp louder. I notice the small things while I walk my doggo. I’ll stop to smell the flowers. Life feels simpler and more enriching.

In a few words, I feel free, alive, and loved.

You don’t need social media if you’re a blogger. Or as a business owner. It’s just not necessary. I’m living proof of that.

More people than ever are engaged with what I’m doing. I reach more wonderful humans and receive such lovely mail from people who really love what’s going on.

I produce better work and have the energy to show up for the community here. And to me, that feels incredible.

Perhaps you resonate with what I’m saying. Maybe you feel like social media is messing with your mental health. If I inspire one person to let go of socials (who wants to of course), then I’m doing something right.

Of course, participating in social media is a choice. If you enjoy it, then by all means stay. But if you feel like it’s just the worst time-suck humans have created – I’m standing in solidarity with you.

How Can I Stay in Touch with You If You Don’t Have Social Media for Your Blog?

If you want MORE from Fox in the Forest, then you should absolutely sign up for my email list. Each week (or sometimes every other week), you’ll get bonus tips, tricks, and locations sent directly to your inbox.

The best part? You can always reply to an email to get in touch. I LOVE hearing from everyone. Just because I’ve unplugged from the social media rat race, doesn’t mean I’m unplugging from you.