Social media forks with my mental health. Let’s be honest, it affects most people in one way or another, but what do you do when being on social media is literally your job?
For social media managers, digital marketers, and influencers to name but a few, looking after your mental health on social media has never been more important, but do you do it?
Lots of people have lots of methods, and I’ve tried a range of things over the years, but below are the things that really work for me.
Step 1 – Remember it’s not personal.
As social media managers we are on the front line. We see everything that comes into a business, the good, the bad, and let’s face it the ugly. People can be cruel online and this is especially true when they think they are speaking to a faceless brand, they don’t realise there is a human on the other end. I know this is hard, but, try to remember it’s not personal.
People get angry, and nasty online, they wouldn’t say it to your face and holding onto this always helps me. We all know that we need to handle some negativity but what if someone is a duck without reason and won’t take it offline? Hide their comments and block them, sometimes protecting you and your mental wellbeing is that important.
Step 2 – Don’t get caught up in the vanity.
This is easier said than done. We are constantly bombarded with the perfect image, the perfect person, the perfect life, and when it’s your job to be online all of the time, avoiding this is impossible, and it takes its toll.
I often find that little voice in my mind saying;
“you would have more followers if you were prettier”
“maybe you should pose more”
“maybe you aren’t as good as this person because…”
This little voice is relentless… and whenever I think I can take a break I remember I have to jump back onto Instagram for work.
I remind myself that most social media is a vanity. In real life I wouldn’t compare myself to the person walking next to me down the street so why do I online? I also try to remember that on social we only share the very best, we show our “unicorn lives” to the world, so I shouldn’t and mustn’t compare my real life to someone’s dream existence, that probably isn’t real.
Step 3 – Detox.
Again, this is easier said than done, but try to detox and spend some time away from social media, your laptop and your smartphone at least once a week. I don’t go near social for at least one day a week and turn off everything at 9pm each weekday. It sounds simple but it’s actually a real challenge, but the results are massive.
Step 4 – Have a work phone.
I think this is vital for any business owner as it allows you to set dedicated work hours. Turn your phone on when you start and turn it off when you’re offline. Have all of your work apps on your work phone, not your personal one. This stops any temptation to check that Facebook post or email when you have a spare second and it sets firm boundaries with clients and yourself.
Step 5 – Turn off your notifications.
Notifications are distracting. Between all your social networks and works comms such as emails, Slack and What’s App, notifications can be constant. This means you are constantly distracted. It’s been proven that every time a notification goes off you lose concentration and the effect it has on your performance and wellbeing can be huge.
Instead, set aside times each day to go through all your notifications in batches, this allows you to focus on actually doing the job, instead of just replying to engagement. Investing in great social media software will also help with this, sending everything into one place allows you to easily stick to set times. I use Agorapulse, which makes my life so much easier.
Remember, your mental health is important. Just because we love being social media managers, doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our wellbeing. Set boundaries, be kind to yourself and remember, you’re doing a great job.