Pressing Pause: Combatting Burnout

As I mentioned in my blog post (Recognizing Social Media Burnout) last week, social media burnout is a growing problem for PR professionals who constantly create content and connect online. When you work online, avoiding burnout is not always possible, nor is it the healthiest option. Sometimes burnout is inevitable, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you are weak or can’t handle it; it simply means it’s time to take care of your mental health. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted because of social media usage, here’s how to address and recover from social media burnout. 

• Acknowledge and Accept Burnout: Recognizing the signs of social media burnout is the first step to recovering from it. Accepting what you are feeling is social media burnout is not a weakness, but rather a step towards recovery 
• Set Boundaries and Expectations: PR professionals often feel pressure to be available for clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but that isn’t realistic in the long term. Clearly defining your working hours and communicating them to cowrokers and clients is crucial for taking care of yourself. Setting boundaries for work and time online is okay and valid, especially if social media burnout is at stake. 
• Digital Detox: Schedule time to put your phone down and step away from the screens. Could be a everyday routine or a once a week, whatever you find best for your break and other activities. 
• Meaningful Engagement: Be intentional and thoughtful when you are feeling social media burnout and you are still engaging online. Rather than mindless scrolling, engage online in ways that align with your goals like building relationships or sharing content that is valuable. This could also include unfolling or muting accounts that might trigger the negative feelings. 
• Seek Support: Talking to colleagues, friends, family or even mental health professionals about yout feelings with social media burnout can be beneficial. Sharing your experiences can let you see other perspectives and emotional relief and other people close to you (who know you relatively well) might discover other ways to help yourself. Talking to a mental health professional also a very good, and valid way to seek support if you are struggling with social media burnout. 

Recovery from social media burnout is not a set in stone process nor can it be easy. Social media is a everchanging and powerful tool, however it should not come at the expense of you well-being or mental health. Burnout does not define you or your abilities, it is simply a sign that you need to press pause and prioritize yourself. 

You are not alone in this experience. Many PR professionals face similar struggles and there is strength in recognising when you need to step back and recharge. Give yourself permission to rest and recover – your work will be stronger because of it in the long term.