How to avoid social media burnout and keep it fun
Social media burnout. You know the feeling: exhaustion, frustration, and maybe even anxiety every time you think about posting or scrolling. Whether you’re running a small business or just trying to stay visible, the pressure to be always online can be overwhelming.
But here’s the good news—social media doesn’t have to be draining. It can be an enjoyable part of your business if you approach it with the right mindset. Let’s talk about how to avoid burnout and keep social media fun, light, and sustainable.
What is social media burnout?
Social media burnout happens when the constant pressure to post, engage, and "stay relevant" makes you feel tired and overwhelmed. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone out the window or swear off Instagram forever, you’re not alone. Many people, including me and my clients, have felt this way.
But social media can be an exciting place to connect and express your creativity if you avoid falling into the cycle of over-commitment and comparison.
1. Set boundaries (and actually stick to them!)
The idea of setting boundaries around social media might seem easier said than done, but trust me, it can make all the difference. Boundaries let you take back control of your time, instead of letting social media dictate your schedule.
Specific times to engage
Instead of being online all day, set specific times to check in and engage. Maybe spend 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 in the afternoon. One of my clients, a freelance graphic designer, found herself checking Instagram every five minutes—it was completely taking over her day. She decided to set a timer for 20 minutes each morning to engage with her followers, and then she put her phone away. She told me it felt like a weight had lifted; she could finally get her actual work done without feeling tied to her phone.
Make it a habit
When you create a regular schedule for your social media use, it becomes easier to maintain. Think of social media time as a fixed part of your workday - not something that’s always lurking over your shoulder.
2. Batch your content to save time
Content creation takes a lot of mental energy, and the daily scramble to come up with a new post can be a major source of burnout. One of the best ways to tackle this is by batching your content.
Create in batches
Instead of trying to create posts every single day, set aside a couple of hours each week (or month) to plan and create your content. This allows you to get into the zone, write your captions, find the images you want to use, and schedule everything in one go.
For example, a client of mine who runs a yoga studio dedicates one afternoon each month to create all her content. She takes photos, films b-roll, writes captions, and schedules it all. The rest of the month, she can focus entirely on her classes and engaging with her audience—without the stress of scrambling for daily posts.
On-the-fly content
Batching doesn’t mean you can’t post spontaneously. If something interesting happens and you want to share it, go ahead! Batching simply ensures that you always have a foundational content plan, and anything extra becomes a bonus.
3. Quality over quantity
It’s easy to think you need to post every day—or even multiple times a day—to stay relevant. But quantity doesn’t necessarily equal quality, and creating content just for the sake of filling a gap often leads to uninspired posts.
Focus on value
Instead of worrying about how often you post, focus on making each piece of content meaningful. Whether it’s sharing your expertise, telling a personal story, or simply making your audience smile, your content should add value. A client of mine transitioned from posting every day to just twice a week, and each post was packed with tips, recipes, and personal stories. Her followers became more engaged, and her stress levels dropped significantly.
Avoid filler content
If you feel pressured to post something, anything, just to stick to a schedule, take a breath. It’s better to post less often but with purpose than to bombard your audience with content that doesn’t resonate.
4. Take breaks (and don’t feel guilty about it)
Sometimes, the best way to prevent burnout is to take a break. If social media is making you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back. It’s far better to take a few days or weeks off than to keep pushing yourself to the point where you start to resent it.
Rest to refresh
I had a florist client who felt completely drained after a busy wedding season. She decided to take a month off social media. When she came back, she was refreshed and re-energised, and her audience welcomed her return. Taking a break is healthy, and your audience will understand—they’re human too.
If you need more encouragement on how to get back on social media after a break, I have a whole episode of my podcast that covers this topic in detail. It’s okay to pause—you'll return stronger.
5. Keep social media fun
It’s easy to forget, but social media was meant to be fun. It’s a space where you can share, connect, and be creative. If you’re feeling burnt out, try posting something lighthearted—something that makes you smile. You’d be surprised at how much your audience will appreciate the authentic, fun side of your life.
Share the fun stuff
I once posted a video of my cockapoo, Arwen, chasing a leaf on her walk. It got more attention than any of my carefully planned posts that week. People reached out to say how much they enjoyed seeing something simple and joyful. It reminded me that not everything has to be perfectly curated—sometimes, people just want to see the real you.
Celebrate small wins
Did you finally post a video, even though it made you nervous? Celebrate that! Did you share something personal that resonated with people? Pat yourself on the back. Small wins are what keep us going and remind us why we’re showing up in the first place.
Make social media work for you
Social media burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By setting boundaries, batching your content, focusing on quality over quantity, taking breaks, and remembering to have fun, you can show up in a way that feels good to you.
Remember, you’re in control of your social media—it doesn’t control you. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, reassess, and build a plan that works for your well-being. Social media should be an enjoyable part of your business, not an energy-draining chore.
Ready to beat burnout and make social media work for you? Take small, meaningful steps, and don’t be afraid to pause when you need to. And if you want more tips and support, be sure to join my weekly newsletter—where I share advice for keeping social media simple, effective, and yes, even fun. Let’s keep it light, keep it real, and make it manageable.
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Prefer to listen to the content you enjoy? Listen to my podcast on this very subject!
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