One of the nasty side effects of running a creative business is the burnout that comes from doing all the things. Between creating the art, selling the art, and shipping the art, there are hours and hours and HOURS of work put in behind the scenes to keep websites updated, create content, and share on social media. The act of creating all the content, plus the emotional energy of being connected to the entire world 24/7, well… It’s kind of a lot, right? So it’s no wonder that so many of us creatives have been experiencing major social media burnout!
If the thought of having to write another Instagram caption (only for it to receive four likes before it gets lost in the feed forever) is starting to make you nauseous then this is the blog post for you!
Signs of Social Media Burnout
I’m no expert but, after years of experience, I can share some of the signs that I notice when I’m heading toward burnout.
- Feeling overtired, overwhelmed, and oversensitive
- Anxiety
- A change in your sleep patterns
- Difficulty focusing
- Procrastination
- Feeling unwell (headaches, stomach aches, lethargy)
I used to push through these feelings but now I tend to take a step back at the first sign of uneasiness.
Managing Social Media Burnout
The thing is, I actually love social media! It has given me so much — my friends, my community, my business — but no matter how much you love something, moderation is always the key.
That’s sort of the tricky piece, isn’t it? We can’t abandon social media entirely, not when the success of our creative business relies on our presence and participation. So how do we manage social media burnout when we can’t abandon it entirely? The saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Tips for Preventing Social Media Burnout
- Plan ahead. Your best bet against burnout is planning ahead! It’s a lot easier to take breaks when you know that your posts are already written and blogs are already scheduled.
- Avoid endless scrolling. Get online, check off your checklist, and move on. Avoid getting lost in the endless feed!
- Be mindful! Keep in tune with your body and your mind while you’re online. Once you start feeling tense, tired, restless, or frustrated that means it’s time to take a break and do something you love.
- Manage your time wisely. Read my tips for time management in this blog post! The best way to combat against burnout is to utilize time management methods, like time blocking, so you don’t spend too much time on tasks that drain your energy.
- Ask for help! It is so important to ask for help when you need it! That’s why I’m so proud of My Creative Connection, they are always so willing to ask for help and they give it even easier.
Most of the time, though, burnout sneaks up on us before we even realize it’s happening. If you’ve already hit a wall and need a way through, start with a few of these tips to help you conserve as much of your energy as possible.
Tips for Managing Social Media Burnout
- Put your phone down. There should be at least two or three 30-minute periods in your day when you put your phone away and live in the moment. I’ve found that this is especially important for mealtimes, exercise, and time spent outdoors.
- Be intentional about your screen time. When you must spend your time online, try to interact with accounts and content that inspires, empowers, and excites you!
- Set boundaries. Give your phone a bedtime, put it on mute during dinner, and set a timer before scrolling. I think we all know how easy it is to waste time on social media, so setting boundaries (and even scheduling them in your phone’s clock app) is the best way to conserve your time and energy.
- Connect with loved ones offline. I have always found that the best way for me to bounce back from burnout is by spending one-on-one time with my friends and family. I always feel a little more connected and steady once I remember what really matters.
- Go outside. “Unplug” entirely and go spend some time in nature! I swear the fresh air helps me reset.
Have you been struggling with social media burnout? What tips work for you?
