Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, both socially and professionally for many people. However, excessive exposure and engagement with social media can lead to burnout, affect our overall mental well-being, and decrease our productivity.
There have been times that I have gotten so annoyed with social media that I delete the apps off my phone for a few days just to take a mental break. While this may have helped in the short term, there are some other long-term solutions that will cultivate your social media to provide inspiration and motivation every time you stop and scroll.
Here are 5 of the best strategies I use to help me avoid social media burnout:
1. Set boundaries and manage screen time:
Be intentional with your time spent on social media. Determine specific times of the day when you’ll engage with social media, and times that you will not. Take note of what keeps you feeling productive and connected to those around you, and what makes you feel disconnected or like you’re wasting time. Then, establish clear boundaries with yourself accordingly. If it is a struggle, consider using productivity apps or features that track and limit your screen time. By being intentional about your social media usage, you’ll regain control over your time and ease some of the guilt and disconnect you may feel from being on your phone when you know you have things on your to-do list, or people around you who would benefit from your complete focus.
2. Curate your feed:
Take a proactive approach to curate your social media feed. There is no rule that says we have to stay social media friends with everyone we’ve ever met, continue following accounts whose posts aren’t bringing us any value, or force feed ourselves other people’s highlight reels or their negativity. Unfollow accounts that you always scroll past that are just serving as clutter on your feed, or that evoke negative emotions in you. Unfriend those who you don’t feel need or deserve access to you. Instead, follow accounts that inspire, educate, and uplift you. Surrounding yourself with positive and meaningful content will enhance your online experience and contribute to your overall well-being, rather than drain you or be something you have to mentally recover from.
3. Engage purposefully:
Avoid the mindless scrolling we tend to do out of habit or boredom, and engage purposefully with social media. Set specific goals for your online interactions, such as connecting with others in your industry, seeking inspiration, or sharing content that you find valuable. Be mindful of the time you spend on each platform, and whether or not you are meeting your own goals and objectives.
4. Practice digital detox:
Regularly take breaks from social media to recharge and refocus. You can start small… try going to the bathroom without taking your phone with you. Ideally, you can designate periods of the day, or even entire weekends, where you disconnect from social platforms. Use this time to engage in activities that promote offline well-being, such as spending time with loved ones, organizing your home, pursuing hobbies, or getting some exercise. A digital detox can rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall productivity.
5. Cultivate gratitude and mindfulness:
Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in navigating social media without burnout. When I’m having a bad day, social media can easily compound my negative mindset if I’m not purposeful in how I utilize it. Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your online experience, such as the connections and opportunities it brings, or content that inspires you.
Social media can be a valuable tool for work, networking, connecting with friends and family, and self-expression, but it’s important to use it mindfully and avoid burnout. By setting boundaries, curating your feed, engaging purposefully, practicing digital detox, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness, you can navigate social media in a way that enhances your positivity, productivity, and overall well-being.
Finding the right balance is a personal journey, so experiment with different strategies to figure out what works best for you. With a conscious effort and a healthy approach to social media, you can enjoy it’s benefits while maintaining a healthy perspective and ensuring your online experience remains positive and productive.
This is an inspirational post. As a blogger, my social media consumption has skyrocketed over the pandemic. You are right, unfollowing accounts that bring no value and are cluttering my feed is something I am going to start doing. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post.