Episode 16: What Happens to Your Nervous System When You Stop Using Instagram (Body Image, Comparison and Emotional Eating)

Recently I took time off Instagram and it changed a lot more than I expected.It didn’t just make me less distracted. It changed the level of presence I have in my relationship. It shifted my creativity. It brought back gratitude in a way I wasn’t even trying to practice. And it also showed me something confronting about my inner critic, my appearance, and how distorted our perception becomes when we’re constantly consuming curated lives.In this episode, I share what happened when I deleted the app, why comparison isn’t something you can “just stop,” and how social media quietly becomes an environment your nervous system is responding to.We also talk about:Why your body image can get worse without anything about your body changingHow your cycle affects your perception and sensitivityWhy creativity needs space, not constant consumptionWhat happens when you remove the distraction and your parts get louderHow to step back without disappearing or making it a big dramatic thingThis is not about being more disciplined with screen time. It’s about noticing what changes when you stop feeding your system constant stimulation, comparison, and pressure.DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or professional health advice.While I’m an IFS informed therapy practitioner, this podcast is not therapy and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individual support.The Self Led Woman podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, or professional healthcare.If this episode brings up anything difficult for you, please consider reaching out to a trained healthcare professional, therapist, or support service.In Australia you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673, which provides support for people experiencing eating disorders and body image concerns.Come find me on Instagram → ⁠⁠@megandarnelltherapy⁠⁠Breaking the Emotional Eating Cycle is coming. If you're ready to understand what's actually driving the cycle — not the food, the parts underneath it, join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open and receive founding member pricing. → ⁠⁠[Join the waitlist here]⁠⁠