Tips for Managing Holiday Social Media Anxiety
The holiday season is coming in full swing. With more opportunities to go out with family and friends, the posting opportunities on social media multiplies. For some, the online pressure to stand out and stay positive during this time is too much to handle.
We explain this concept known as “holiday social media anxiety” and mindful approaches to implement as we start celebrating.
What is Holiday Social Media Anxiety?
Holiday social media anxiety refers to the mental stress associated with the picture-perfect festive content published online. This anxiety can stem from a lack of motivation to post, seeing triggering content, or feeling subpar compared to what others portray each day.
So why is it necessary to understand this social media phenomenon? If I feel this way, why shouldn’t I just push through these mental stressors?
Many feel isolated during this time – a time dedicated to being joyous and around others constantly. Since users are in full overdrive to share their every move, it can be hard to escape these expectations no matter what platform you are on.
It is imperative to be honest with your followers and portray the real you. Knowing what causes these specific anxieties can better the content you produce, how you interact with your audience and become more conscious of differing holiday experiences.
What are Some Self-Help Tips for Dealing With Holiday Social Media Anxiety?
If you are a business or brand that needs to post every day, here are some strategies that can alleviate holiday stress:
Share posts: Stories are a great tool to stay in the holiday spirit without much social media planning. All you need to do is find your favorite festive posts and re-share them on your Instagram Story!
Plan, plan, plan: Before things pick up, prepare more general holiday posts ahead of time. These can range from wishing followers a happy new year to sharing the recipe of your favorite seasonal cocktail. This way, you can send engaging posts quickly regardless of what you are doing.
Take advantage of motivational periods: Some days, all you can muster is scheduling your Netflix queue of Christmas movies for the day (we totally get it). But, when you feel up to going out and making content, grab as much as you can! This way, you can re-use photographs and videos for the future when you need some time away.
If you post sporadically and have more free time, here are some mental health strategies to practice:
Take a break: Sometimes, the social media world is overwhelming – especially so during the holidays. If you can, step away from your phone and designate specific times throughout the day to use it. Contrary to unspoken social media norms, you don't need to document every single moment or view others on your feed doing so. Enjoy life and share when you want, how you want!
Clean out your feed: If you find yourself constantly comparing your account to others during the holidays – STOP. Try to unfollow or mute accounts that set unrealistic expectations.
Don't force it: Though some argue social media is famous for it, portraying yourself as something you aren’t is never the right way to go. Be open to what you are experiencing mentally, as it helps build genuine connections online. It may surprise you how many users can relate to your experiences and may follow you because of them.
Need Help Managing Your Social Media This Holiday Season?
One of the easiest ways to relieve the pressures of posting during the holidays is having someone else do it for you – that’s where the experts at Social Stamina come in! If you struggle managing your socials during this frantic time, contact us today to create a stress-free marketing plan for you.