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Jenna Bush Hager Ditches Instagram to Be More Engaged Mother

 August 23, 2024

Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of the Today show, recently shared a personal revelation that has resonated with many.

During a discussion on Thursday's episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, the former first daughter disclosed that she finds herself addicted to Instagram and has decided to remove the app from her phone in a move designed to help her become a more present mother to her three children, as the Daily Mail reports.

The decision comes on the heels of a similar decision made by her twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, who had already taken the step to remove Instagram from her phone and found herself happier and more engaged with her life.

Jenna, who is 42, explained how spending excessive time on her phone disrupts her sense of well-being and distracts her from getting into a state of flow, a term often used to describe being fully immersed in a task. This admission came as Jenna and her co-host, Hoda Kotb, were discussing wellness trends and the importance of "going with the flow" in daily life.

Inspired by Sister's Experience

Jenna revealed that her sister Barbara’s experience influenced her decision to detox from Instagram. Barbara, who recently became a mother of two with the birth of her son Edward Finn, removed the app from her phone to feel more present and engaged with her family.

Jenna echoed her sister's sentiments, acknowledging that being glued to her phone often makes her feel disconnected from what truly matters.

Barbara's decision to step away from Instagram made a significant impact on Jenna. Jenna shared that Barbara felt more joyful and connected with her surroundings after making the change. Jenna, inspired by her sister’s positive experience, decided to follow suit.

Barbara, who is married to Craig Coyne and also has a daughter named Cora, has embraced motherhood in a way that Jenna admires. Jenna posted heartfelt pictures on Instagram celebrating the arrival of her nephew, including a touching moment where she cradled and bottle-fed baby Edward.

Managing Digital Distractions

Jenna discussed the measures she takes to manage her own Instagram use. To avoid the temptation of scrolling mindlessly, she has someone else change her Instagram password. This strategy, Jenna admits, is necessary for her to break the habit. "It's addicting," she confessed during the segment.

Kotb, Jenna's co-host, also chimed in on the discussion about mindfulness and being present. She shared her own experience of trying to slow down and be more deliberate in her actions, particularly after work.

Hoda described a recent walk through Central Park where she consciously slowed her pace, focusing on each step. This practice of mindfulness allowed her to experience the journey more fully, making the walk feel almost instantaneous.

Jenna agreed with Hoda, emphasizing that had Hoda been distracted by her phone or listening to a podcast, she might have missed the experience of being in the moment. This conversation highlighted the broader theme of the episode, which was about finding balance in an increasingly digital world.

Jenna’s Commitment to Being Present

The conversation on Today underscored Jenna's commitment to being more present in her life, particularly as a mother. Jenna's three children -- Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5 -- are her top priority, and she wants to ensure that she is fully engaged with them, not distracted by the constant pull of social media.

Jenna's decision to step back from Instagram is a reflection of her desire to create more meaningful connections with her children and to be more aware of the world around her. By eliminating a significant source of distraction, she hopes to be more in tune with her family’s needs and her own well-being.

The discussion on Today resonated with many viewers, especially those who also struggle with finding balance in a world dominated by technology. Jenna’s candidness about her struggles with digital addiction and her efforts to overcome it offer a relatable and inspiring example for others.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Mindful Living

Jenna Bush Hager’s decision to delete Instagram from her phone reflects a growing awareness of the impact that digital distractions can have on our lives.

Influenced by her sister Barbara's positive experience, Jenna is taking steps to be a more present and engaged mother to her three young children.

By sharing her journey on Today, Jenna is opening up a broader conversation about the importance of mindfulness and the benefits of disconnecting from technology to reconnect with what truly matters.