We’ve got to talk about social media burnout.

This may come as a surprising topic from a social media consultant, but it’s important for us to discuss, especially in light of information overload during Covid-19. 

Social media managers everywhere have buckled down over the last 6-8 weeks, throwing months of content calendars out the window, responding to customers’ very real needs, and working overtime on keeping brands across the globe afloat. It’s only natural that these experts are experiencing spikes in digital burnout— and are in need of a serious break. 

Signs that you need a break from social media include:

• You feel overwhelmed every time you scroll through Instagram

• You find yourself being negative towards people you follow (or towards yourself)

• You used to be inspired by the accounts you follow, but no longer feel that spark

• You are stressed to the point of paralysis about what you should say/ shouldn’t say

• You aren’t sleeping well (there are interesting studies on social media usage and sleep)

If one or more of these applies to you, it may be time to take a social media hiatus. But when you’re the one in charge of your brand’s social media, that can feel like an impossible leap.

Thankfully, we have some resources to get you started, without disrupting your social media pages. Below is a list of how to take a 7-day break from social media, for social media managers.

Step 1: Gather your resources.

Compile a list of all resources you have, including scheduling tools, user generated content, content that can be reused, etc. If you don’t have a scheduling tool, consider signing up for a free Buffer account, or investing in a cost-effective option like Later.

If you have a supervisor, now is the time to talk to them about your feelings of burnout. Run through this plan with them to ensure that they know you’re not dropping the ball, as well as give them an opportunity to step up to support you through this week. 

Step 2: Plan your content.

There are two types of social media managers right now– those who have a month of content ready, and those who are flying by the seat of their pants. There’s no in between. 

If you are in the latter camp, carve 3-4 hours out in a day to develop two week’s worth of content– cut in half. If you traditionally post 7 days a week, post every other day. This will help you have less to respond to ultimately, while maintaining consistent communication with your audience.

Even though you are stepping back for 7 days, planning for 14 will help you stay ahead, allowing you to ease back into your full-swing duties. Do your future self that favor.

Step 3: Schedule your content. 

Feels like the good ol’ days, right? Get that content scheduled out for the following two weeks in one sitting. Don’t put it off to the last minute!

Step 4: Schedule your week.

Now that your content is scheduled, it is time to focus on balance. As a social media manager, you can’t just set your content and forget it– you have to respond to your customers and flag any negative reviews. But you can build a better balance along the week to help you stay in control and feel like you’re getting a true break. 

Some activities to consider filling up your day:

• Meditation

• Exercise

• Listing gratitudes

• Going for a walk

• Calling a friend

• Journaling 

• Reading (books, no phones)

• Brainstorming

• Calling colleagues

• Cooking

• Writing

• Stretching

• Desk Exercises

Here’s an example of what a full week can look like.

Note that you have time built in every day to check in on social media– but it isn’t taking up your entire day. Studies show that we lose 30 minutes every time we are distracted, which keeps us in a loop of constantly monitoring and checking social media. This cycle leads to greater feelings of burnout, which we’re trying to avoid this week. So set your times and stick to them. 

Step 5: Get off your own social media.

Say goodbye to your personal social media for the week. Logging out of your accounts can help you steer clear of an accidental login, and keep you in check during your hiatus.

Step 6: Take a break from social media.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a great step in the right direction. If you follow these steps, you’ll be feeling much more productive, inspired and energized at the end of the week. Your mental health comes first, and allows you to keep being a great social media manager. Take care of yourself, and let me know if you try these steps in the comments below.

Of course, you may be in a position where you can’t take these steps– if your business relies solely on social media sales, or if your supervisor isn’t the type to support you in this way. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to me at hillary@yoursocialhq.com. I am here to be a resource and guide for you– your health is more important than social media.