Back pains? Neck pains? Sore eyes from too much screen time?
These are a few of the realities of a social media manager. In addition to the physical strain of staring at a screen for hours on end, social media managers also face a great deal of mental stress. With the pressure to create engaging content, keep up with constantly changing algorithms, and search for the perfect memes (or the perfect emojis!), the job can become overwhelming at times.
What is social media burnout, anyway?
Imagine you're at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and you just keep piling your plate higher and higher with delicious social media tasks. At first, you're loving it — the likes, the comments, the engagement, it's all so satisfying. But eventually, you start to feel full, like you can't take another bite. Your eyes glaze over, your brain gets foggy, and you just can't seem to come up with any more creative content.
That's social media burnout — it's like you've eaten too much of a good thing, and now you need to take a break and let your stomach (and your brain) recover. So, just like you wouldn't keep eating at the buffet until you get sick, you need to know when to step away from social media and recharge your batteries.
TLDR: Burnout sucks and can really affect the work we do.
How to fight social media burnout?
Avoiding social media burnout is crucial because social media is our line of work but limiting the usage may help. Read on to discover some of our self-care tips:
1. Set realistic expectations
Saying "no" can be a tough pill to swallow, but it's a form of self-care and a powerful tool for teamwork. Understand what is within your control and what is not. Recognize that some social media metrics may be beyond your control and that you can’t do EVERYTHING all the time.
Setting realistic goals and communicating social media priorities is key here in creating a sustainable team that delivers results without sacrificing everyone’s mental health.
2. Normalize asking for help
As “social” creatures, we all crave connection and seek out opportunities to bond with others. After all, that's what social media is all about, right? But when you're battling burnout, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone in the fast-paced world of social media. That's why it's so important to reach out to your team or other social media professionals for support and understanding.
Looking for help right now? Send us an inquiry to find out more about how we can help your sales & growth and even save you from your social media burnout.
3. Unplug and schedule your breaks
Social media work can be all-consuming, but it doesn't have to be! 🙅♀️
Remember to schedule breaks like how you schedule content — like a boss.
Set boundaries: Determine specific times of day when you will check social media and limit yourself to a certain amount of time.
Engage in non-screen activities: Try out new hobbies or activities that don't involve screens, such as reading, cooking, exercising, or spending time in nature.
Create a relaxing environment: Set up a cozy space in your home to relax and unwind, with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and calming music or scents.
Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Regularly check for Burnout Symptoms
Olympic medalists don’t get where they are by giving their 100% all the time. Pace yourself now so you have the energy for bigger things. Trying to put 100% into all will lead to burnout and inconsistency overall.
The World Health Organization has defined burnout as a syndrome that arises from unmanaged, chronic workplace stress.
It is characterized by the following factors:
• Worn out and low on energy
• Feeling disconnected from work
• Feeling pessimistic about work
• A reduction in professional efficacy
Experiencing any of these? It might be time to hit the pause button and take a break to recharge your batteries and come back stronger than ever 💯💪🏻
5. Keep active and move around
Working in social media involves sitting for long periods, which can cause health problems such as poor posture, aches, and increased risk of diseases. Take regular breaks to stand up, walk around, stretch, and drink water. Proper posture and nutrition are also important for overall health.
Currently experiencing social media burnout as a business owner?
We hear you! We understand how daunting it can be to manage your social media presence while also running your business.
As a marketing agency, we strongly believe that there's more to life than just work. It's vital to keep a healthy balance between work and play to ensure top-notch quality work.
From branding to marketing, design, consulting, and even product photoshoots, our team of experts can help! We're here to lighten your load and give you peace of mind. That way, you can shift your focus to more pressing matters and leave the online hustle to us.
Let us lend you a helping hand! Get in touch with us by filling up our inquiry form on our website or email us at hello@lenuagency.com.
