I’ve posted a reel every day for the past 30 days, and I can tell you that if you’re not careful, creating content can take a toll on your mental health.
In the first year of creating content to share with you what I know and my experience creating healthy habits, this is the second time I have committed to posting a reel every day.
The first time I gained followers and my engagement went up, but doing it totally consumed me and my mental health took a hit.
This year in April I decided to try it a second time as I had come back recharged after a long trip.
This time it was different because I changed a few things to take care of my mental health and I am about to show you.
Here are 5 things you can do as a content creator to protect your mental health.
No. 1 Find time during the day to do something you enjoy
Working on the same thing for hours exhausts your energy and creativity, which will be reflected in the result of what you are creating.
Look for activities that bring you joy as this will activate your productivity and creativity, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
I like to bake and every time I feel overwhelmed or tired, I experiment with something new. It helps me clear my mind, relax and come back with more positive energy to create content.
No. 2 Create a schedule that works for you, not the algorithm
Advice like “Show yourself constantly” or “The algorithm likes it when you post every day” can backfire for some people.
If creating content feels more like a chore than something you enjoy, then it’s time for a change.
Create a realistic goal and commit to posting only when you know you have the time and energy to do it with quality.
No. 3 Use unfollow/restrict/block/mute functions more frequently
Cyberbullying exists and it is difficult to control.
If you share a part of your life online, you are likely to receive comments or private messages from people who want to spread negative energy.
The advantage of social media is that it gives you the freedom to stop talking or listening to someone you don’t like. You can unfollow, restrict or block any account that does not align with you or contains harmful energy in your space.
No. 4 Establish a check-in in the middle of the week
It’s easy for me to get busy and forget to check my mental health often.
That’s why I set a reminder on my phone on Wednesday of every week to ask myself questions like: When was the last time you ate a full meal? Have you drunk enough water this week? Are you excited about something you’re going to do this week?
I do a mid-week check-in on my stories for my followers, so you can take a moment to think about your mental and physical health.
No. 5 Taking breaks is more productive than you think
What would you say to a friend who works every day, including weekends? You would tell them to slow down and rest.
Be your own friend.
Make yourself see the importance of taking breaks. Spend time with your family and forget about your blog and social media platforms.
You indeed want to build a successful business, but it is also true that for that you must be healthy and have a clear mind which is only achieved when you get enough rest.
Conclusion
When you care about your mental health as a content creator, you increase your productivity and your creativity.
If you are in a creative heightened state, you can generate endless ideas for your content on social media or on your blog.
Taking care of your mental health should be part of your business plan and it should be a priority every day.
How do you take care of your mental health at work?
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