WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE BURNT OUT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Between managing multiple social media accounts, staying abreast of trends, creating content calendars, replying to DMs, editing reels, managing expectations, and keeping up with ever-changing algorithms, social media can be…a lot.

Summer can be a frustrating time on social media as well. Engagement drops. People are on vacation and offline. But somehow, the pressure to show up doesn’t. In fact, it feels louder. Make a reel! Post something fun! Go viral! Stay relevant! But when you’re the one behind the captions, the strategy, the visuals, and the scheduling, burnout is real.

Here’s what to do when social media starts to drain you.

Stop posting just to post.

Forcing content rarely leads to quality engagement. Pause if you don’t feel inspired. Skip a few days instead of posting something that feels hollow. If this isn’t an option, ask a teammate to brainstorm and infuse new life into your content. Or even turn the keys over for a week.

Batch Create

It’s almost impossible to be creative on command. When you’re feeling it, make 2-3 reels or write a handful of captions. That way, you have a backlog for a few days. 

Repackage and Repurpose

That email you wrote? Build an Instagram carousel. That video from last year? Post it again with a new hook. No one remembers your posts the way you do. Give yourself permission to reuse great content.

Lower the Bar

Every post doesn’t need to be a masterpiece. Sometimes a simple photo with a quick caption is more than enough. Sometimes stories with text overlays beat a polished reel. Done is better than perfect.

Step Away

Take a break. Log out. Go outside. Let your brain rest. When you return, come back with refreshed ideas and more clarity.

If you’re burnt out, you’re not alone. Social media isn’t easy, and for those of us doing it behind the scenes, it can feel like a grind. But you can pause. You can recalibrate. And you can come back when you’re ready. With purpose, not pressure.