As a small business owner, you rarely get a break. But I am here to tell you it is okay to do just that this holiday season. Well, with your social media, at least.
Think about all that you have to do each and every holiday:
- Food to prepare
- Gifts to buy
- Parties to attend
- Decorating the house
- Dealing with the family plans
The holiday hustle and bustle feels never-ending! Even if the holiday season gives you life, it can take its toll. That’s why your social media content creation should shift into low gear this time of year. Science even backs this up – read more below.
Taking a Social Media Break Improves Mood
Not everyone is full of holiday spirit this time of year for various reasons. Many people feel that the holidays are a stressful time. However, in a recent study, taking a break from all social platforms increased overall well-being and decreased anxiety and depression. You will start to see improvements after just one week.
During a well-deserved social media break, you can focus on actions you might overlook otherwise. For example, making a gratitude journal or meditating on what you are grateful for each day has been shown to increase happiness. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) found that daily gratitude reflection increases connections with others reduces stress and anxiety while improving self-esteem.
Rest to Recharge Your Productivity
Have you ever worked on a project and at some point, hit a wall? You can’t move forward without walking away from it for a little while. If you tried to work through it, you would get nowhere.
It’s the same with your social media and content creation. Stepping away leaves you time to reflect, clear your mind, and return with a new perspective. In fact, the Harvard Business Review analyzed nearly 100 scientific studies that showed physically moving away from your work and taking a brief pause will improve work quality and reduce burnout.
Does someone on your team coordinate social media for you? Offering that person a break from posting, researching and reviewing analytics will produce better overall results when you start the New Year.
What Should My Social Media Look Like This Time of Year?
That’s a great question! It’s different for everyone. But here are some ideas that you can easily add to your favorite social media scheduler.
- Inspirational quotes
- Highlight what you are thankful for
- Thanking your customers
- Thanking your team
- Posting holiday wishes on the day of (i.e., post on Christmas or Hanukkah)
- Family photos (only if you feel comfortable with that)
Using Canva is an easy way to create festive yet professional holiday posts. And if you haven’t used a social media scheduler yet, now is a great time to try one. We recommend Vista because it’s easy to use and shows how your posts perform.
Taking a social media break or pause does not mean stopping altogether. Planning easy yet thoughtful posts and scheduling them beforehand maintains your presence. The algorithms will be happy. Keeping it simple this time of year allows you to focus on important things – friends, family, and rest. You’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves with energy to crush all your 2024 goals.
Need help planning your social media break this year? Let’s share a cup of coffee or tea and talk about it more. Schedule your no-obligation discovery call to learn how VPS Social can help.
