The Importance of Taking a Break from Social Media as a Social Media Manager
In today's society, social media has become a significant part of our daily lives, especially in business. We use it to connect with customers, build on our professional networks, and update those around us about our business. However, spending too much time on social media can have negative consequences on our mental health and overall well-being, as managers, bosses, and people. This is why it's essential to take regular breaks from social media.
Here are some reasons why taking social media breaks is crucial, even as a social media manager:
1. Allows you to step back
Constantly looking at your own social media can cause you to become hyperfocused and lose sight of the big picture. You may start to assume that potential consumers know things, like prices, options, and location, because you’re constantly around them and forget that strangers might not be as privy. By taking a break from social media, you’re able to look at your pages with fresh eyes, from the point of view of a potential customer. Is your menu up to date? Are there any questions that could stop someone from coming to you that you could answer? By taking a step back and pretending to have no idea any information about your business, you’ll be able to use your social media to the fullest without alienating any potential customers.
2. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Studies have shown that social media can increase anxiety and stress levels in individuals. This is because social media platforms are designed to keep us engaged, and this constant stimulation can be overwhelming. Taking a break from social media allows us to disconnect from the constant noise and reduce our stress levels.
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Research has linked social media use to poor sleep quality. This is because the blue light emitted by our devices can disrupt our natural sleep patterns. By taking a break from social media, we can reduce our exposure to blue light and improve our sleep quality.
4. Enhances Real-Life Relationships
While social media allows us to connect with people all over the world, it can also detract from our real-life relationships. By taking a break from social media, we can focus on building and strengthening our in-person relationships, with both employees and customers. This can lead to increased feelings of connectedness and improved mental health.
5. Reduces FOMO
Social media can create feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) in individuals. This is because we are constantly bombarded with images and updates from our competitors, peers, and neighbors. While it’s important to know what’s going on in your industry, constantly surrounding yourself with updates can make you overwhelmed and could cause imposter syndrome. Taking a break from social media can help us detach from this comparison trap and focus on our own lives and experiences.
How to take a social media break (as a manager)
Trade off
Find another colleague or friend who can monitor messages and comments for a few days. They can let you know if something arises that has to be taken care of ASAP while you’re away.
Plan
If you don’t already, find an app or website that allows you to plan out social media posts in advance. Schedule out all the content that you need for the next week or so and forget about it!
Check out this article from Planoly that has more tips on taking breaks and avoiding burnout!
In conclusion, taking regular breaks from social media can have significant positive effects on our mental health and overall well-being. By reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, increasing productivity, enhancing real-life relationships, and reducing FOMO, we can enjoy the benefits of social media without sacrificing our mental health. So, take a break from social media soon, and see how it can benefit your life and business!
