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Tips on how to avoid burnout and deal with negativity?
I work in education and my job is mostly social media for PR — so, for us that looks like posting good news stories and reputation management.
People are fucking awful. My coworker who handles phone/email inquiries and I are constantly bogged down by the constant negativity. She calls in sick all the time and I don’t blame her. People spew hate at us all day long and it’s hard to not take it personally when it’s coming directly to your inbox. I love the job itself and find it incredibly fulfilling, but this part really sucks. It’s like a knife to the gut when I post something really positive and exciting but get torn down immediately.
I’m sure I’m not the only SMM who is absolutely glued to my phone even after work, which makes it hard to disconnect from the negativity (no pun intended).
So, I’m just looking for tips and advice… how do you clear your head and avoid burnout?
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1 Reply
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Headspace and mindfulness. Need to actively watch your thoughts, filter the negative and counteract it. Add in positive affirmations to the start and during your day. Journal. Work to define yourself and who you wish to become.
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I wish there were an easy answer here. What’s helped me is drawing hard boundaries for when I’m going to be on social media. I always try to completely separate from about 5pm until 8pm and spend that time with my family. Then, on the weekends I’m never checking social while I’m doing something with them.
People say don’t feed the trolls, and I generally agree with that, but there’s something satisfying about not allowing their comment be the final word. I’ve found that a simple, polite response will help me personally deal with some of the negativity. “Thank you for your feedback” or “That post is incorrect” or “we tend to disagree with that” … something like that isn’t to get them to stop, it’s to signal to your audience that you’re listening to everyone on the platform and you’re not afraid of engagement.
Now, that might not align with your brand persona. But finding a way to do that in an authentic manner will improve how you personally deal with it and might help improve your social standing on the platform.
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Also, I put your post into GPT4 just to see what it would say. Here’s the response – it’s interesting that we had the same first impression:
I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this level of negativity and stress in your job. Social media can indeed be a double-edged sword. Here are some tailored strategies to help you cope and avoid burnout:
1. **Set Boundaries**:
– **Designated Work Hours**: Decide on a specific time frame each day when you’ll be available for work, and stick to it.
– **Notifications**: Turn off non-essential notifications after work hours. This helps you mentally disconnect from work.2. **Scheduled Breaks**:
– Take regular breaks during the day to step away from the screen. A 5-minute walk or some stretching can help reset your mind.3. **Mental Buffer**:
– Remember, when people vent or express negativity, it’s more about them than about you. They are reacting to their emotions, perceptions, and personal experiences, which may have little to do with the actual content you’re posting.4. **Support System**:
– Talk to your coworkers and share your feelings. They might be feeling the same way. This mutual understanding can help foster a supportive environment.
– Consider peer-led support groups where employees can vent and offer solutions.5. **Focus on the Positives**:
– For every negative comment, there might be tens or hundreds of silent appreciations. You’re doing important work. Celebrate the positive impacts, even if they aren’t always vocalized.6. **Professional Development**:
– Consider training on emotional intelligence and resilience. These skills can equip you to handle the ups and downs of public-facing roles more effectively.7. **Mental Health Resources**:
– If your workplace offers counseling services or mental health resources, consider using them. Professional counselors can provide coping strategies tailored to your situation.8. **Digital Detox**:
– Set aside specific times (e.g., weekends or certain hours in the evening) where you’re entirely off social media and email.9. **Mindfulness and Meditation**:
– Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help you center yourself and reduce the impact of external stressors.10. **Physical Well-being**:
– Engage in physical activities, whether it’s a regular workout, yoga, or just walking. Physical health plays a significant role in mental well-being.11. **Feedback Loop**:
– Consider sharing feedback about the emotional toll with higher-ups. They might be unaware of the impact and could implement strategies or provide resources to support staff better.Lastly, remember that everyone has a breaking point. If you consistently feel overwhelmed, it might be time to consider whether the current role aligns with your long-term well-being. It’s essential to prioritize your mental and emotional health.
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