Combatting Burnout in the Creator Economy
Creators are perpetually burnout. Here are some tips for creators, by creators 🤳
In fact, recent stats revealed that 90% of creators say they’ve faced burnout. 71% of them have even considered quitting social media entirely.
It’s mental health awareness month & in today's fast-paced digital era, creators and artists are constantly under pressure to produce innovative and captivating content. Whether you're a business, freelancer, creative or any other kind of creator, burnout can, unfortunately, be an all too familiar companion. The relentless pursuit of excellence combined with the demands of audience expectations can take a toll on even the most passionate individuals. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of managing creator burnout and provide our fav strategies to restore balance, reignite inspiration, and prioritise your well-being.
What is Creator Burnout? 💭
Mental Health UK defines burnout as ‘a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, which can occur when you experience long-term stress’. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Micheala Dunbar describes ‘social media burnout [as] a form of online fatigue that can happen when you spend too much time on social networks.’
Toss in a blurred work-life balance and the need to be constantly “on”, and you have the perfect recipe for creator burnout.
The first step in managing creator burnout is recognising its symptoms. These may include a lack of motivation, reduced creativity, physical and mental exhaustion. Pay attention to these warning signs and acknowledge that burnout is a legitimate concern that requires attention.
Feeling exhausted from the online world? Keep reading to hear our fav tips on balancing mental well-being and creating content.
Cultivate a Supportive Network 👯♀️
Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creators, friends, mentors etc who you trust to open up to about how you’re feeling. Leaning into a support system is one of the best things you can do to manage creator burnout. Engage in conversations with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and empathetic listening. Share your experiences and concerns, and learn from the wisdom of those who have navigated similar burnout situations. Remember, you are not alone on this journey and connecting with like-minded individuals.
2. Embrace Experimentation 🤸♀️
Burnout can often result from feeling stuck or trapped in a creative rut. Break free from monotony by exploring new artistic avenues, experimenting with different styles, reel ideas or collaborating with other creators. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and take risks! Having fun with your content translates and your audience can feel it! Allow your creativity to evolve.
3. Outsource services if necessary ⬇️
If creator burnout persists despite your efforts to manage it, do not hesitate to seek help and outsource services. Find a social media manager that you connect with creatively and ask for help if you need it! It’s literally why marketing professionals exist! Book a free call with us to check out our packages for support with idea generational, content creation, reporting and strategy! We’d love to help. Outsourcing services can be a great way to navigate burnout and support your mental well-being.
4. Set up time limits ⏰
IK this sounds so counterproductive, but hear me out. Creators often face the pressure to be constantly ‘showing up’ online. However, setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy ‘work-life’ balance. Define specific working hours, designate time for breaks, and resist the urge to be perpetually connected to your creative endeavours. You can also use apps to set up daily time limits. If you’re an iPhone user you can set up time limits in your phone settings. There’s also a great app called ‘One Sec’ (also available to Android users) which creates a short time pause and take a deep breath before opening an app, adding a little bit of wellness & breath work into your day. It also shows you how many times you’ve opened the app in the last 24 hours - which can be a bit of a jump scare for us creators!
SUMMARY
Managing creator burnout is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness, self-care, and a commitment to finding balance. Remember, your creativity is a precious resource that deserves nourishment and protection. By recognising the signs of burnout, prioritising self-care, establishing boundaries, cultivating a supportive network, embracing variety, setting realistic goals, and seeking help when needed, you can reignite your passion, restore your well-being, and continue to create from a place of joy and inspiration.
