Humans First, Workers Second

Is it possible to enjoy both a peaceful life and a solid social media presence?

We all know social media can take a toll on our mental health, particularly for those in creative fields. You’ve probably felt the stress, just like I have. Even the statistics say so:

• A study by the NIH found a 70% increase in depressive symptoms in individuals who used social media regularly.
• A 2020 study by the Center for Research showed that deactivating Facebook for a month reduced depression and anxiety while boosting happiness and life satisfaction.

Negative experiences with social media are easy to recall, but what about the positive ones?

There are both upsides and downsides, and our goal should be to strike a balance, especially for business use. One of our values at Stratos is Humans First, Workers Second. We apply it to lots of situations, but for our purposes, let’s apply it to social media usage.

Here are some strategies to help you use social media to promote your work without harming your mental health or contributing to the mental health crisis.

Humans First Principle: Define Your Commitment and Set Boundaries

Many people want the same results as influencers. Influencers often spend a significant amount of time creating content, with many treating it as a full-time job. Ask yourself: Do you want to invest that much time in social media? Will it benefit your business?

On the other hand, inactivity yields no results. Identify your goals, the energy you can commit, and the time it will take.

Once you’ve determined your commitment, create space between you and your phone.

Take breaks from social media. It’s important to remember that life exists beyond the screen. Some effective strategies include no-phone Sundays, logging off for a week, keeping your phone out of the bedroom, and deleting apps for undistracted time.

Experiment to find what works for you and your commitment level and stick with it to protect your mental well-being.

Workers Second Principle: Batch Content and Seek Assistance

Instead of creating content spontaneously, try batching it. Dedicate time when you’re motivated to produce various types of content, then schedule it out. If batching a month’s worth of content feels daunting, focus on one type at a time. Create batches of quote graphics, service-related carousels, and introduction posts.

Batching content helps you avoid last-minute rushes and allows you to concentrate on delivering top-notch service to your clients.

If that is too overwhelming and your budget allows it, that’s perfectly okay. You can’t do everything alone. Consider using services that offer easy-to-use templates, like our Social Club, or hire a virtual assistant. If budget is an issue, collaborate with other business owners—swap photo shoots, record videos, and support each other’s social media efforts.

By following these principles, you can create a strong social media presence without sacrificing your mental health…. I promise. As a business owner, you can focus on your core strengths while having a robust online presence.