by Scarlett Darbyshire

How to Maintain Good Mental Health When You Work in Social Media

Working in social media can be exciting and rewarding, but let’s face it—it can also be overwhelming. The constant pressure to stay online, create content, and deal with algorithms (and the occasional angry commenter) can take a toll on your mental health. Here’s how to protect your well-being while thriving in your social media career.

1. Set Boundaries with Screen Time

  • Stick to a schedule: Establish work hours and avoid checking social media outside of them.
  • Use screen time limits: Apps like Focus Mode or built-in screen time trackers can help.
  • Unplug intentionally: Take regular breaks to recharge and disconnect from devices.

2. Stop Taking Everything Personally

  • Not every rude comment is about you. Trolls exist to stir the pot—don’t let them stir your emotions.
  • Pro Tip: If you’re handling comments or DMs for a brand, remind yourself: It’s not personal; it’s just customer service.

3. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

  • Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. Comparing your work or lifestyle to others can lead to burnout and self-doubt.
  • Focus on your own progress and celebrate small wins.

4. Take Breaks from Your Personal Accounts

  • It’s hard to disconnect when your job is social media, but it’s essential to step away from your personal feeds.
  • Schedule a day or two each week where you avoid scrolling your own accounts.

5. Practice Digital Minimalism

  • Unfollow accounts that don’t bring you joy or value.
  • Mute notifications that aren’t urgent.
  • Create a curated feed of content that inspires or uplifts you.

6. Prioritize Offline Activities

  • Spend time on hobbies that have nothing to do with screens.
  • Go for a walk, exercise, read a book, or engage in creative projects like painting or cooking.

7. Learn to Say No

  • Set realistic expectations with clients, employers, or colleagues about deliverables and deadlines.
  • You don’t have to jump on every trend or stay online 24/7 to succeed.

8. Protect Your Sleep

  • Blue light from screens can disrupt your sleep patterns.
  • Set a “no screens before bed” rule and invest in an old-school alarm clock to keep your phone out of your bedroom.

9. Stay Educated About Mental Health

  • Recognize the signs of burnout: irritability, lack of focus, and exhaustion.
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek support from a therapist or counselor.

10. Build a Support Network

  • Connect with other social media professionals who understand the challenges of the industry.
  • Share tips, vent about frustrating days, and lift each other up.

11. Manage the Algorithm, Don’t Let It Manage You

  • Remember, algorithms aren’t personal. They’re tools, not judges of your worth.
  • Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience, not just content that “performs.”

12. Celebrate Small Wins

  • Did your post get a few likes or spark a meaningful conversation? Celebrate it!
  • Focusing on the positives can help combat the constant pressure to “go viral.”

13. Advocate for Mental Health at Work

  • Encourage your team to normalize taking breaks, unplugging, and setting boundaries.
  • If you manage others, model healthy behavior by taking time off and respecting work-life balance.

14. Remember Why You Love This Work

  • Reflect on the aspects of your job that bring you joy—whether it’s storytelling, creativity, or connecting with an audience.
  • Keep a list of positive feedback or milestones to revisit on tough days.

Final Thoughts

Working in social media doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your mental health. By setting boundaries, focusing on what matters, and taking care of yourself offline, you can find balance and enjoy the creativity and connection that drew you to this career in the first place.

What’s your favorite mental health tip for working in social media? Share below (but only if you’ve had enough screen-free time today)!

by Scarlett Darbyshire

30-Day Guide to Taking a Social Media Break

Taking a break from social media can feel daunting, but it’s also a great way to recharge your mind and reconnect with the real world. This 30-day guide will help you ease into a social media detox with daily activities to keep your hands busy and your mind engaged.

Week 1: Preparation and Setting Boundaries

Day 1: Reflect on why you’re taking this break. Write down your goals (e.g., reducing stress, gaining more time, improving mental health).
Day 2: Turn off notifications for all social media apps. Out of sight, out of mind!
Day 3: Set specific times when you’ll allow yourself to check social media (if needed). Gradually reduce them throughout the week.
Day 4: Delete social media apps from your phone, or at least move them to a folder that’s hard to access.
Day 5: Announce your break (optional). Let friends and followers know you’ll be away for a while.
Day 6: Identify triggers that make you reach for social media (e.g., boredom, anxiety). Replace those triggers with healthy alternatives, like a walk or a book.
Day 7: Create a “joy jar.” Write down fun, offline activities you can do when you feel the itch to scroll.

Week 2: Rediscovering Offline Joy

Day 8: Start your morning without your phone. Use that time to stretch, meditate, or simply enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.
Day 9: Read a book or listen to an audiobook. Bonus points for choosing something unrelated to work or current events.
Day 10: Try a new hobby or revisit an old one (e.g., painting, knitting, baking, gardening).
Day 11: Write in a journal. Reflect on how it feels to have less social media in your life.
Day 12: Go for a walk without your phone (or keep it on airplane mode for emergencies). Focus on your surroundings.
Day 13: Spend time with friends or family without using your phone.
Day 14: Have a screen-free day. No phones, no TV, no computers—just good old-fashioned analog fun.

Week 3: Building New Habits

Day 15: Declutter your digital life. Delete old photos, apps, or files you no longer need.
Day 16: Write a letter or send a postcard to a friend. It’s a refreshing way to connect without screens.
Day 17: Cook a new recipe from scratch and enjoy a tech-free dinner.
Day 18: Start a mindfulness practice, like yoga or meditation.
Day 19: Organize a mini home project, like cleaning out your closet or rearranging furniture.
Day 20: Create a vision board or list your long-term goals.
Day 21: Try a gratitude practice—write down three things you’re thankful for each day.

Week 4: Reflecting and Moving Forward

Day 22: Plan a day trip or visit a local attraction you’ve never explored.
Day 23: Write a blog post, essay, or poem about your social media break and what you’ve learned.
Day 24: Volunteer your time for a local cause or charity.
Day 25: Spend time in nature. Go hiking, visit a park, or simply sit outside and soak in the fresh air.
Day 26: Try a new workout or fitness class to get your body moving.
Day 27: Reflect on how your mood and habits have changed over the past month.
Day 28: Create a plan for intentional social media use if you decide to return (e.g., time limits, unfollowing accounts that don’t bring you joy).
Day 29: Host a phone-free gathering with friends or family.
Day 30: Celebrate your accomplishment! Treat yourself to something special (but don’t post about it).

Tips for Success:

  • Use your newfound free time to explore activities you’ve always wanted to try.
  • Keep a journal to track your thoughts and progress.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up—just refocus and keep going.

Ready to start your break? Day 1 is waiting!

by Scarlett Darbyshire

Why You Really Need to Stop Doomscrolling

Ah, doomscrolling. That delightful modern pastime where you open your phone to check one thing, and three hours later, you’re neck-deep in the apocalypse, reading articles titled “The Top 10 Signs the World Is Ending (And Why It’s All Your Fault).” It’s a habit we all know too well—and it’s slowly stealing your sanity, one swipe at a time. Here’s why you need to stop doomscrolling and how to break free before you turn into a human stress ball.

1. The World Is Still Terrible, Even Without Your Refresh Button

Let’s face it: refreshing your feed every 10 seconds won’t make the bad news disappear. In fact, the news doesn’t even care if you’re paying attention.

  • Reality Check: While you’re doomscrolling, the world is out there doing its thing. Take a break. The doom will still be waiting for you later, like an overly clingy ex.

2. Your Brain Is Begging for a Break

Doomscrolling turns your brain into a stressed-out hamster on a wheel, running endlessly with nowhere to go.

  • Symptoms:
    • You can’t sleep because you’re replaying headlines in your head.
    • You forget what daylight looks like.
    • Your inner voice sounds suspiciously like a cable news anchor.
  • Solution: Give your brain some TLC. Try watching cat videos instead—they’re scientifically proven to heal broken souls.

3. Your Productivity Is on Life Support

Remember that thing you were supposed to do? No? That’s because you spent your workday scrolling through 27 hot takes on the latest disaster.

  • Side Effects of Doomscrolling on Productivity:
    • Forgetting to eat lunch.
    • Writing emails that accidentally include the words “global meltdown.”
    • Googling “How to stop wasting my life on my phone.”

4. It’s Ruining Your Posture (and Your Soul)

Doomscrolling makes you hunch over your phone like Gollum with the One Ring. Your neck hates it, your back hates it, and honestly, your chiropractor probably hates it, too.

  • Pro Tip: Stretch your spine, put down the phone, and maybe look at something more uplifting—like literally anything that’s not Twitter.

5. Your Sense of Humor Is at Risk

The more doom you consume, the harder it becomes to laugh at the absurdity of life. And honestly, what’s the point of surviving the chaos if you can’t even enjoy a good meme about it?

  • Quick Test: If you haven’t chuckled at a bad pun or a dog in sunglasses recently, you’re officially too deep in the doom zone.

6. The Algorithm Feeds on Your Anxiety

Social media platforms love doomscrolling because it keeps you hooked. The more you scroll, the more they feed you content that makes you think, “Wow, things really are as bad as I thought.”

  • Life Hack: The best way to confuse the algorithm is to stop clicking on depressing stuff and start liking pictures of houseplants.

7. Your Thumbs Deserve a Vacation

Have you thought about how much work your thumbs are putting in? They’re swiping, tapping, scrolling, and refreshing non-stop. They’ve been working overtime with no benefits.

  • Thumb Therapy: Give them a break. Maybe hold a book or a mug of tea instead.

How to Quit Doomscrolling Without Crying

  1. Set a Timer: Give yourself 10 minutes to catch up on the news, then log off. Trust us, you don’t need more time than that.
  2. Unfollow Doom Accounts: Replace them with accounts that post puppies, art, or baking tutorials.
  3. Go Outside: Nature is free, and it rarely comes with headlines like, “The End Is Nigh.”
  4. Use the Buddy System: Text a friend whenever you feel the urge to doomscroll. They’ll either cheer you up or distract you with their own existential crisis.
  5. Remember: It’s Okay to Look Away: The world will keep spinning, even if you miss the latest Twitter meltdown.

Final Thoughts

Doomscrolling is like eating an entire bag of chips: it feels satisfying at first, but afterward, you’re left with regret and crumbs everywhere. So do yourself a favor: log off, breathe, and remember that not everything is terrible. And if it is? Well, at least you’re not facing it with hunched shoulders and sore thumbs.

by Scarlett Darbyshire

How to Make Your Social Media Presence More Accessible

Facebook Notifications

In an age where social media connects millions of people daily, inclusivity should be at the heart of every online presence. By making your social media accessible, you not only show respect and care for your audience but also expand your reach and engagement. Here’s how to ensure your social media is welcoming to everyone, including disabled users.

1. Add Alt Text to Images

Alt text describes an image for users relying on screen readers. It’s easy to add and makes a big difference.

  • Why it matters: Users with visual impairments can understand the context of your post.
  • How to do it: Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook allow you to add alt text when uploading images. Keep descriptions concise but informative, e.g., “A bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil leaves.”

2. Use Closed Captions for Videos

Captions aren’t just a convenience; they’re a necessity for many users.

  • Why it matters: Captions benefit people with hearing impairments and those who prefer to watch videos without sound.
  • How to do it: Most platforms support auto-captioning, but editing is often needed for accuracy. You can also use tools like Kapwing or Rev for custom captions.

3. Write Descriptive Hashtags

CamelCase hashtags improve readability for everyone, including screen readers.

  • Why it matters: #AccessibilityMatters is easier to understand than #accessibilitymatters.
  • How to do it: Capitalize the first letter of each word in your hashtags. It’s a simple yet impactful change.

4. Avoid Overloading with Emojis

While emojis can add personality, overusing them creates challenges for screen readers.

  • Why it matters: Screen readers read out every emoji, which can disrupt the flow of your content.
  • How to do it: Use emojis sparingly and place them at the end of your message rather than mid-sentence.

5. Use High Contrast and Readable Fonts

Visual clarity is key for users with low vision or colorblindness.

  • Why it matters: Poor color contrast and fancy fonts can make text difficult to read.
  • How to do it:
    • Use tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to ensure text and background colors meet accessibility standards.
    • Stick to clean, simple fonts.

6. Keep Text Posts Concise and Structured

Organized content is easier for everyone to consume, especially users with cognitive disabilities.

  • Why it matters: Dense or overly complex text can be overwhelming.
  • How to do it: Break up long paragraphs, use bullet points, and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

7. Offer Multiple Contact Options

Not all users can navigate a contact form or make a phone call.

  • Why it matters: Inclusive options empower everyone to engage with your business.
  • How to do it: Provide email, direct messaging, and other contact methods.

8. Test Your Accessibility

Put yourself in the shoes of your audience.

  • Why it matters: Accessibility tools can reveal issues you might not have noticed.
  • How to do it:
    • Use screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) or NVDA (Windows).
    • Simulate colorblindness with tools like Coblis.
    • Check your captions and alt text for usability.

9. Stay Educated and Open to Feedback

Accessibility is an ongoing effort.

  • Why it matters: Best practices evolve, and feedback from users with disabilities is invaluable.
  • How to do it: Follow accessibility advocates on social media, read resources, and encourage your audience to share their experiences.

10. Lead by Example

Your commitment to accessibility will inspire others to do the same. By making small, consistent changes, you’ll create a more inclusive space for everyone.

Conclusion:
Accessibility on social media is more than just a moral obligation—it’s a way to connect meaningfully with a diverse audience. By incorporating these tips, you can ensure your presence is inclusive, engaging, and impactful. Let’s build a social media landscape where everyone feels welcome.

How do you ensure your social media is accessible? Share your tips in the comments!

by Scarlett Darbyshire

A LOVEly Valentine’s Day Social Media Marketing Plan 💘

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to engage your audience, promote your products or services, and spread love through creative campaigns. Here’s a step-by-step social media marketing plan to make the most of this romantic holiday.

1. Define Your Goals

  • Increase brand awareness.
  • Boost sales of Valentine’s Day-related products or services.
  • Engage your audience with themed content.
  • Grow your following with interactive campaigns.

2. Understand Your Audience

  • Singles: Focus on self-love and self-care.
  • Couples: Offer gift ideas, experiences, or services.
  • Friends/Family: Promote “Galentine’s Day” or thoughtful gestures.

3. Plan Your Content

a. Themed Content Ideas

  1. Promotions: Announce Valentine’s Day sales, discounts, or limited-time offers.
  2. Gift Guides: Share curated lists for last-minute shoppers.
  3. Self-Love Campaigns: Encourage followers to treat themselves.
  4. User-Generated Content: Create a branded hashtag for customers to share their love stories or how they use your products.
  5. Giveaways: Host a “Share the Love” giveaway for followers.
  6. DIY Tutorials: Post videos for Valentine’s crafts, recipes, or gift wrapping.
  7. Love Quotes: Share romantic or inspiring quotes with eye-catching visuals.
  8. Countdown: Build excitement with a Valentine’s Day countdown.

b. Content Formats

  • Videos: Share heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes footage, or Valentine’s Day-themed reels.
  • Stories: Post polls, quizzes, and Q&As about Valentine’s traditions or preferences.
  • Graphics: Create visually appealing posts with red, pink, and gold color palettes.
  • Carousels: Showcase multiple gift ideas or customer testimonials.
  • Interactive Posts: Ask followers about their favorite Valentine’s Day memories or plans.

4. Schedule Posts in Advance

  • 2–3 Weeks Before Valentine’s Day:
    • Announce campaigns and promotions.
    • Share gift guides and planning tips.
  • 1 Week Before:
    • Post reminders for last-minute shopping or booking.
    • Share testimonials or reviews to build trust.
  • Valentine’s Day:
    • Post celebratory messages and encourage followers to tag loved ones or share their moments.

5. Engage with Your Audience

  • Respond to comments and DMs promptly.
  • Repost customer content using your branded hashtag.
  • Use Valentine’s Day-themed stickers, GIFs, and filters in your Stories.

6. Run Ads to Boost Visibility

  • Target ads toward couples, singles, or specific age demographics based on your audience.
  • Promote Valentine’s Day offers or events.
  • Use retargeting ads to reach visitors who viewed your website or products.

7. Collaborate with Influencers

  • Partner with influencers to create authentic Valentine’s Day content featuring your products.
  • Run joint giveaways to expand your reach.

8. Measure Your Results

After Valentine’s Day, evaluate your campaign’s success:

  • Track metrics like engagement, sales, and website traffic.
  • Analyze the performance of different content types.
  • Use insights to plan for future holiday campaigns.

Example Campaign Timeline

DateActivity
2–3 Weeks BeforeAnnounce promotions, create gift guides, and schedule content.
1 Week BeforePost reminders, highlight last-minute deals, and run ads.
Valentine’s DayShare celebratory posts, Stories, and user-generated content.
Post-Valentine’sThank your audience, recap the campaign, and share post-event promotions.

Would you like help designing content or ads for your Valentine’s campaign? ♥️

by Scarlett Darbyshire

50 Quick and Easy Ideas for Your Social Media Content

Here are 50 social media content ideas to help your business stay active, engage your audience, and grow your presence:

Educational Content

  1. Share industry tips and tricks.
  2. Post a “how-to” tutorial related to your products or services.
  3. Explain common myths in your industry.
  4. Create an FAQ post answering customer questions.
  5. Share a beginner’s guide or checklist.
  6. Offer advice for using your product effectively.

Promotional Content

  1. Highlight a limited-time sale or offer.
  2. Share a customer success story featuring your product.
  3. Announce new products or services.
  4. Post a “sneak peek” of something coming soon.
  5. Share a bundle or package deal.
  6. Promote gift cards or vouchers.

Interactive Content

  1. Create a poll or survey.
  2. Ask followers to vote on their favorite product or design.
  3. Host a Q&A session in your Stories.
  4. Start a “This or That” challenge.
  5. Encourage followers to caption a funny image.
  6. Post a trivia question related to your industry.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

  1. Share a day in the life at your business.
  2. Post about how your products are made.
  3. Introduce team members with short bios.
  4. Show your workspace or office setup.
  5. Share what inspires your business.
  6. Post candid moments from team events or meetings.

Engagement-Boosting Content

  1. Ask followers to share their goals or challenges.
  2. Host a contest or giveaway.
  3. Encourage followers to tag a friend in the comments.
  4. Post an open-ended question about your industry.
  5. Ask followers to share their favorite products in your lineup.
  6. Create a “fill-in-the-blank” post (e.g., “My favorite way to use [product] is ______”).

User-Generated Content

  1. Share customer photos using your products.
  2. Repost customer reviews or testimonials.
  3. Create a hashtag for followers to use and highlight their posts.
  4. Share before-and-after photos submitted by customers.
  5. Showcase creative ways customers use your products.

Seasonal and Holiday Content

  1. Post holiday-themed content (e.g., Valentine’s Day, Halloween).
  2. Share seasonal tips or recipes.
  3. Announce holiday hours or closures.
  4. Create posts around awareness days relevant to your industry.
  5. Host a seasonal challenge (e.g., “12 Days of Giveaways”).

Inspirational Content

  1. Post motivational quotes related to your business values.
  2. Share your business story and milestones.
  3. Highlight stories of resilience from customers or your team.
  4. Post about your long-term vision and goals.
  5. Celebrate your business anniversaries.

Entertaining Content

  1. Share funny memes or jokes relevant to your industry.
  2. Post a behind-the-scenes blooper reel.
  3. Create a playful “did you know” fact series.
  4. Share a nostalgic throwback related to your business.
  5. Post a funny GIF or TikTok trend that fits your brand.

Pro Tips:

  • Tailor these ideas to your audience and industry.
  • Incorporate visuals like photos, videos, and infographics.
  • Use analytics to track what resonates most with your audience and double down on those types of posts.

Would you like help brainstorming posts for your specific business?

by Scarlett Darbyshire

How to Use Social Media for Business When You Absolutely Hate Social Media

YouTube Photo

Social media: it’s everywhere, it’s necessary, and it’s… not your thing. We get it. The endless scrolling, the pressure to post, the hashtags—it can feel overwhelming, shallow, or just downright annoying. But when it comes to growing your business, ignoring social media isn’t an option. Luckily, you don’t have to love it to make it work for you. Here’s how to use social media for your business without losing your mind (or your soul).

1. Embrace the “Set It and Forget It” Approach

Who said you have to be online 24/7? Automation tools can handle most of the heavy lifting.

  • What to do:
    • Use scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to plan and post content in advance.
    • Batch-create content once a week or month and let the tools do the rest.
  • Bonus: You can “post and ghost,” leaving social media to work while you focus on things you actually enjoy.

2. Focus on One or Two Platforms

You don’t need to be everywhere at once. Pick the platforms that make the most sense for your audience and business.

  • For visual content: Instagram or Pinterest.
  • For professionals: LinkedIn.
  • For bite-sized updates: Twitter (or whatever it’s called now).
  • For avoiding social media entirely: Google My Business and email marketing are your best friends.

3. Outsource the Pain

If you truly can’t stand social media, let someone else handle it.

  • Options:
    • Hire a social media manager or virtual assistant.
    • Collaborate with freelance content creators to craft posts and captions.
    • Use influencer partnerships to promote your brand (they do the posting, you reap the benefits).

4. Quality Over Quantity

You don’t need to post every day. A few high-quality posts that truly resonate with your audience are far more effective than daily filler content.

  • What works:
    • Share meaningful updates about your business.
    • Post behind-the-scenes content or customer stories.
    • Highlight your expertise with tips or tutorials.

5. Repurpose Everything

Create once, use everywhere. Maximize your effort by recycling content across platforms.

  • Turn a blog post into a carousel or infographic.
  • Use video snippets for Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts.
  • Share the same content with slight tweaks across platforms (nobody’s keeping score).

6. Make It Fun (or at Least Tolerable)

If you hate social media, try finding ways to make it less of a chore:

  • Gamify it: Challenge yourself to create one great post in 15 minutes.
  • Use humor: Don’t take it too seriously—people love authenticity.
  • Experiment: Try formats like memes, GIFs, or polls to see what sticks.

7. Let Data Be Your Guide

You don’t have to guess what works—let analytics do the talking.

  • Check platform insights to see which posts perform best.
  • Focus your efforts on what drives results, and ignore the rest.
  • Celebrate every win, no matter how small.

8. Engage on Your Terms

Social media doesn’t have to consume your life. Set boundaries to avoid burnout:

  • Check your accounts only once a day (or less).
  • Turn off notifications.
  • Dedicate 10-15 minutes to responding to comments or messages and then log off.

9. Be Authentic

Hate social media? That’s okay—embrace it. Your honesty could actually resonate with your audience.

  • Post something like: “Not gonna lie, social media isn’t my favorite, but I love connecting with all of you. Here’s what we’ve been working on…”
  • Being real makes your brand relatable and approachable.

10. Remember the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, social media is just a tool to grow your business. Focus on the results it brings rather than the process itself. Think about:

  • Increased visibility for your products or services.
  • Connecting with potential customers or clients.
  • Building credibility in your industry.

Conclusion:
You don’t need to be a social media superstar to use it effectively for your business. By setting boundaries, focusing on what works, and outsourcing when necessary, you can make social media work for you—even if you secretly (or not-so-secretly) hate it.

What’s your least favorite thing about social media? Share in the comments—let’s commiserate together!