How do you cope with social media stress and burnout?

FOMO! That is the number one trigger for social media angst. You care too much about missing out on what others are doing, and when you check it out, suddenly you begin comparing yourself to that life\event. You need to separate SM from real life, people will rarely post their downfalls, their bad days, what you see posted has been carefully curated. If there are certain accounts that trigger you, consider muting them, you don't need to unfollow a friend or a family member you feel exposed to, but mute is a great way to protect yourself and not feel bad about unfollowing them.

I find certain platforms always leave me feeling bad so have deleted the Facebook app from my phone entirely. I still need an account as I access some groups on there but if you are able to delete a whole platform you find negatively affects you, then do it!

Don't let social media be the cause of your downfall! Identify your triggers and take action to minimise their impact. Is it the FOMO you get when you see pictures of your friends living their best lives? Or maybe it's that one account that always seems to stir up drama and leaves you feeling drained? Whatever it is, recognise it, and take steps to minimise your exposure. Mute, unfollow or even block if necessary. It's your feed and your mental health - you're in control. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first and choose what's best for you. So don't let those triggers run wild, take control and show them who's boss!

It is also advisable to turn off notifications. Or take social media breaks. The good news is that platforms such as Instagram now let you deactivate your account temporarily, and you can easily reactivate it when you feel ready. Also, aside from muting accounts, you can mute words that are offensive or that trigger you. Make sure to set your interests as well, so the algorithm knows what type of content to send your way.

Coping with social media stress and burnout involves setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and prioritizing self-care. Limit exposure to negative content and practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and anxiety. Seek support from colleagues, friends, or professional networks, and consider disconnecting from social media temporarily if needed to recharge and maintain mental well-being.

Social media is designed to be addictive. YOU are the user..if you haven’t seen the movie, Social Dilemma, I highly suggest it! First and foremost, social media is a business tool for my brand and business. It’s a tool to connect and then focus on real life conversations and experiences. I don’t check it when I wake up or go to bed. I get in and get out!

If I start to find I am becoming argumentative online I step away and put the phone down. I also utilise app time limits and focus mode, both found on Android. Focus mode is especially useful as you can limit notifications but keep yourself available for anything urgent, as I need to be available in case my children's school call for example.

It amazes me how many people keep their phone next to their bed and it's the last thing they look at and first thing they pick up when they wake up. To manage time and energy, the best thing I've done is to move the phone out of my bedroom at night. I have it in the other room, so if I have an emergency call at night, I can get to it. But, the change in my quality of sleep and mental well being is measurable since I made this move. Try it and you might be surprised at how this can change your sleep and morning routine.

I like to dedicate certain hours of my day to work on social media, while this gives me enough space to finish my tasks, there are also other hours where I restrain myself from accessing social media and focus more on living in the moment. If you must, tell a friend or colleague that you will be away from your phone until a certain hour, and you will not be reachable. This will also help you to properly process the information you receive from these accounts that you have access to on a daily basis.

Don't let social media consume you! Filter out the negativity by unfollowing or muting accounts that don't serve you. Do a content audit and be intentional about what you consume. Make sure it's aligned with your values and goals. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to disconnect completely. Give yourself permission to take a break from the online world and focus on the offline one. Remember, you're in control of what you consume. Choose content that adds value to your life and your mental health will thank you for it.

We are all prone to creating somewhat of an echo chamber online, whereby everyone in our network agrees with us. This can be life affirming and supportive but I do think it is important to stay open minded and engage in friendly and respectful debates from time to time, listening to those who may have differing views and remaining open to thinking about something in a new way.

Social media is a great way to connect with people across the world and expand our networks. I love keeping in touch with people from previous jobs, events and engagements. It’s a great way to build an extended community. What matters most is also having real conversations and real experiences together.

I have met both partners and amazing friends online and it can be a source of immense fun and enjoyment as long as you remain mindful and positive.

Don't let social media stress you out so much that you forget about all the great things it has to offer! Social media can be a powerful tool for learning, exploring, entertaining, and making a difference. Whether it's following accounts that inspire you, learning new skills or tips, or just connecting with others, there's no denying that social media has its benefits. So, take a moment to appreciate all the good it brings to your life. But remember, it's all about balance. Manage your social media usage, so you can enjoy all the perks without any of the stress.

It’s so important to be able to disassociate yourself with the outcome of a post. We’ve all been disappointed when a post gets low engagement and we shouldn’t be. The algorithm won’t always support our post and it’s not always our fault.