Unfollow for Inner Peace

The title of today’s post is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, of course. But I’ve been making liberal use of my freedom to unfollow lately, and I’m definitely feeling more peaceful.

I’m a big fan of following pages and people whose values and ideologies differ greatly from one’s own. I’m not saying unfollow everyone you’ve ever disagreed with. There’s enormous value in interacting respectfully with people who live life differently from you (for more on this topic, a favourite of mine is Irshad Manji). But there are also some who have the ability to ruin your whole day on a regular basis.

You know the ones I’m talking about. For one reason or another, they rub you the wrong way, and you find yourself ruminating about it for days. You read and reread their posts, and your blood pressure rises. Speaking up goes nowhere, and constructive communication feels impossible.

You feel like you should follow them because everyone else thinks they're the bees knees. But wouldn’t the real estate they take up in your brain would be better spent on something more meaningful, like calling a friend, reading a book, or taking real-world action for a cause you care about? I hereby give you permission to unfollow. Try it, and watch your day get better.

This week, pick the person or page that has ruined your day once too many, and unfollow on all platforms. Next week, notice how you feel. Is life online a little more peaceful? Let me know in the comments!

Debra Purdy is the owner of ShopEco, a voracious reader, and a bona fide skin care fanatic.