Social media is a wonderful thing. On Facebook, you can organize get-togethers with your friends. Instagram is a great platform for sharing road trip experiences with friends. It is possible to increase the visibility of your company on Twitter. The possibilities are virtually limitless.
Unfortunately, when it comes to social media interactions, it’s easy to go overboard, especially if you’re in the marketing industry. Burnout is caused by spending too much time in front of a screen. According to Psychology Today, it is a condition that is characterized by a state of chronic stress. Burnout develops gradually, and many people are unaware that they are suffering from it until it is too late.
Do you have any doubts about whether or not you are already experiencing burnout? Keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms:
- An overwhelming desire to check social media on a regular basis
- Difficulty focusing one’s attention
- Disinterest in activities that are normally enjoyable
- Emotional exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Anxiety, both mental and physical
Learning to recognize the signs of digital fatigue is a good first step, but it is not sufficient. Take a step back and employ the strategies listed below to avoid becoming overwhelmed by social media.
Establish a set of ground rules for yourself
Limit your use of social media to a few hours per day. These restrictions can differ from person to person, depending on your individual requirements and habits. For the average person, one hour per day could be a good starting point. A marketer, on the other hand, may find that a longer timeframe is more realistic for the purposes of their business.
Remove a few of the least active accounts from your social media accounts if it takes a long time to cycle through all of your accounts. Another option is to find someone to share the workload with you if you are a marketer who can’t afford to lose any platforms. For example, you could delegate the management of your Twitter and Facebook accounts to a partner while you concentrate on your Instagram posts. Coordination of your daily posts will help you to present a more professional social media presence.
Reduce the accessibility of social media
How do you proceed after you have exhausted your allotted social media time? That’s all there is to it. For the rest of the day, stay away from the apps. Turning off unnecessary notifications on your phone may be a good idea if you want to better resist any temptations.
You can also download apps or browser plugins that block specific websites if turning off notifications isn’t enough of a deterrent. From Offtime and SelfControl to AppBlock and Cold Turkey, you have a wide range of options at your disposal. Consider enlisting the help of friends or business associates for referrals.
Fill in the Blanks with the appropriate information
You might notice a void in your schedule now that you’re spending less time on social media. If so, you’re not alone. What are you going to do with all of this extra free time? It is inevitable that you will be drawn back into social media if you do not fill that void with something productive. Take a look at the following suggestions, which are particularly useful for online marketers who are looking for some downtime.
Go For a Walk in the Outdoors
This can be especially important for those who spend the majority of their working day in front of a computer or other electronic device. Walking is a great way to de-stress your mind while also providing a light workout for your body.
Keep a Book Close at Hands
Reading, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, is a great way to stimulate your creative juices without having to stare at a screen all day.
Get (really) Social
These days, it’s easy to forget that social media isn’t the only tool available for disseminating information about your company. Face-to-face communication with coworkers and potential customers is recommended. Participate in local events and activities. You’ll be able to reach a large number of people without relying on the internet.
Just because your job is heavily reliant on social media does not imply that you will experience burnout. Make sure to incorporate these strategies into your daily routine in order to stay sharp and healthy while promoting your expanding business.