How to deal with social media burnout as an author

Social media can be beneficial to authors, but it can also be overwhelming. Discover how to deal with social media burnout and prevent it moving forward.

Table of Contents 

• Understanding Social Media Burnout 

• What Are the Signs of Social Media Burnout? 

• Strategies for Authors to Overcome Burnout 

• How to Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Social 

• Takeaway 

Understanding Social Media Burnout 

Although social media is a valuable tool for authors, it’s not all positive. The biggest challenge users face is the risk of burnout. Basically, social media burnout is exhaustion caused by too much time spent on social platforms. And make no mistake — it’s a very real issue, especially for authors. 

Here’s why…

Research has shown that social media has an impact on mental health. And typically, it’s not for the better.

Excessive use of social networking sites can lead to depression, anxiety, and even illness. On top of that, social media burnout can drain authors of their creative juices. 

The problem is you’re expected to be on social media. It’s a big part of promoting yourself and your work. Some would argue that it’s nonnegotiable. As a result, you’re under constant pressure to keep up with trends, engage your followers, and encourage book sales. 

It’s no wonder so many authors struggle to find a balance and end up experiencing burnout.

What Are the Signs of Social Media Burnout?

The first step toward overcoming social media burnout is knowing what it looks like. Once you recognize the signs, you can take action. Below are some of the most common ways it presents itself. 

Fatigue

Do you feel tired and worn down after spending time on social media? It may be an indication you’re burnt out. The pressure to maintain an active presence on social platforms can be overwhelming. It can take a toll on your energy levels and overall well-being — and not even a good night’s sleep can fix it. 

Stress

Trying to keep up with the demands of social media can also be stressful. The persistent need to stay visible and engaged can lead to heightened strain. If you’re constantly on edge (and others have noticed), that’s a red flag worth noting.

Lack of motivation

When you’re suffering from social media burnout, you may be unmotivated to post anything. But this can extend to other areas of your work, too. Sometimes, it can affect your drive and enthusiasm for doing the things you love, including writing your next book. 

Cynicism/hopelessness

Nowadays, it seems like the only way for authors to get noticed online is to go “viral.” And when that doesn’t happen, it can be discouraging. You may feel that no matter how much you post, you’ll never receive the kind of recognition you want. So, what’s the point?

4 Strategies for Authors to Overcome Burnout

Whether you’re suffering from social media burnout now or worry you will in the future, we’re here to help. Below are some effective strategies to overcome this issue. By implementing them, you can safeguard your mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. 

SET BOUNDARIES

There’s a lot authors can gain from having a social media presence. But if you want to avoid burnout, you need to set boundaries. After all, participation on social networking sites is just one aspect of marketing. It shouldn’t zap all your time and energy.

To start, establish time limits for social media use. Decide when and how long to interact on each platform — and stick with it. This will not only stop you from becoming overwhelmed but also help you manage your marketing time better. 

Next, designate days each month for a social detox. On those days, stay away from all platforms. Instead, give yourself a break and focus on activities you enjoy. 

Finally, learn to say “no” to the excessive demands of social platforms. You don’t need to be on every platform, hop on every trend you see, or do everything other authors are doing. Determine what works best for you and let go of the rest.

CURATE CONTENT

Often, burnout occurs because you just can’t seem to keep up. You log in, open up a new post, and your mind goes blank. Then, you start stressing out because you can’t think of anything to share. And all the while, you see others posting constantly. 

When you experience this day after day, it takes a toll. 

The good news is you can alleviate some of the burden and stress by being strategic about posting. 

For example…

• Focus on quality over quantity when posting content.

• Plan posts in advance to reduce daily stress.

• Diversify posts to include a variety of content.

ENGAGE AUTHENTICALLY

You can avoid social media burnout and get more enjoyment out of it by engaging authentically. Instead of chasing after metrics, prioritize genuine interactions with followers. Additionally, participate in meaningful conversations within writing communities. This will allow you to build relationships and make it feel less like a chore. Plus, it will likely generate better results in the long run. 

OUTSOURCE AND AUTOMATE

Reducing the amount of time and energy you put into maintaining your social presence can also go a long way. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality or frequency of your posts and responses. You can streamline your efforts by outsourcing and automating wherever possible. 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Delegate social media tasks to virtual assistants or marketing professionals.

• Use social media management tools for scheduling and analytics.

• Develop processes to minimize manual effort and maximize efficiency.

How to Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Social

There are a lot of opinions about how authors should use social media. But the best approach, especially when it comes to avoiding social media burnout, is to focus on cultivating a healthy relationship. In doing so, you can find a good balance that works for you — and it can stop being something you dread. 

Reframe your perspective.

Remember that your worth as an author doesn’t depend on likes, comments, or shares. Social media is merely a way of connecting with readers and others in the writing community. Don’t get discouraged if your results haven’t lived up to expectations. Focus on forming relationships and celebrate the small victories. 

Regularly assess your social media habits.

Every so often, take a look at your social habits. Assess which platforms you use, how frequently you post, what you post, etc. Then make adjustments as needed. 

Remember that taking breaks is okay. 

There’s a reason we recommended scheduling a regular social media detox. Sometimes, you just need a break. And that’s okay! Failing to post for a day or even a week won’t ruin all your hard work. Your followers are people, too; they’ll likely understand the need to unplug. 

Takeaway

Social media presents its share of opportunities and challenges. Although it can be incredibly valuable for connection and promotion, it also carries the risk of social media burnout.

By following the advice provided here, you can reclaim control of your online presence and develop a healthier relationship with social. So, find a balance and continue sharing your unique voice with readers, other authors, and the world!