Nine Ways to Prevent Content Creator Burnout

​Last year I made a five part blog series on starting an OnlyFans. If you followed along and applied it to your own content, chances are you might be feeling exhausted and overworked in your industry! Keep reading for some quick tips to overcome and prevent burnout.

​Being a content creator - whether you're a TikTok star, and Instagram model, or an OnlyFans creator - means never ending work in front of the camera, replying DMs, coordinating sponsorships, and just having an active online presence. The world of social media makes anyone feel like you can never "shut off" or go home for the day. While a lot of people have found the balance in their day, the reality is that a lot of us haven't, and we may experience burnout.

Burnout is the feeling of complete lack of motivation. It can present differently in everyone, but the general overview of burnout is simply feeling like a match all burnt up. Just completely done, no life left. How do we fix it? Well we gotta find the spark!

This blog isn't about burnout recovery, unfortunately. That looks a bit different for everyone, and may require more help than what I can offer here. But if you feel your love and passion for content creating dying, this is a great place to start. Below, is nine ways to keep your head above water and prevent hitting the dreaded burnout.

1. Stop going above and beyond for your employers

Whether you're self employed or you have a day job, take a look at your actual job description and see if you might be doing more work than you're getting paid for. If you're self employed, prioritize your work and save the ambitious projects for when you regain your motivation.

2. Get organized

As a content creator, one of the best things you can do is work hard while you're motivated. Get the extra content, do more photoshoots, record more tiktoks or scenes for your fan site. If you have a supply of back up content, you're saving yourself from having to shoot half-assed content and undoubtedly see a dip in profits and engagement, or worse, lose your posting consistency and have to start over again to rebuild your channel.

3. Outsource projects

Similar to the above points, we're focusing on taking the stress off your plate. Virtual assistants  aren't just for big brands! Anyone can benefit from someone who can virtually respond to emails and DMs, schedule out all social channels, and post on your behalf. Spend more time doing what you do best for the brand, and save the monotonous work for someone who enjoys it!

I understand this isn't an option right away for everyone, but it's definitely a milestone goal to add to your list! As you grow, set these steps into place.

4. Designated YOU time

After you catch yourself closing and re-opening Instagram for the 6th time in a row, maybe it's time to go outside and touch grass. You're not being productive. Go for a walk. When was the last time you stretched your legs or drank water? MMHMM that's what I thought. The point is, as soon as you catch yourself spiraling or being non productive, set an alarm for an hour. Get off your phone or computer, and do something. Ideas if this is your first time practicing productive non-productive time:

• Watch TV
• Play a game
• Go for a walk
• Make a snack
• Take a bath
• Play with your pets
• Make a craft
• Do a puzzle

5. Practice self care

Self care is always the first to take a hit when we're being ambitious. It definitely doesn't come back when you start losing your motivation. So schedule in daily self care. That looks different for anyone. It can be as big as booking getaway vacations to reset, or as small as putting on a face mask in the evening. Honour yourself and your needs!

6. Exercise and eat healthy

I'm a big fan of "practice what you preach" so I'm kinda hesitant to add this one LOL, but it is important. There have been countless studies that prove proper exercise and nutrition are beneficial for our mental health. Eat something green, take your vitamins, drink some water, and go for a walk. I know you got this!

7. Dissociate and play games

Dissociating can be a healthy function to avoid anxieties. Some of us doom scroll social media, but as a content creator, it's hard to shut off the "work voice" and really allow yourself to detach from reality. A great way to break free from social media dissociating is to watch TV or play phone games.

I work on my laptop 24/7, so my current hyperfixation is playing on Solitaire.org. I alternate between regular solitaire (the main page) and Candyland Mahjong. It saves my score so I can carry on from where I left off; hours, weeks, or seconds after I just played lol.

8. Social media detox

If your burnout feels crippling, like there's no coming back from it, it might be time to seriously prioritize your mental health. Take a break, at least a week, but until you feel better, safe and secure in yourself. Uninstall your apps, log out, find ways to distract yourself from the withdrawals, and find your peace.

9. Talk to someone

Following closely on the last point, if you feel you need added support, or an outside perspective, consider seeking therapy. We live in a world that's working hard to reduce the mental illness stigmas and resources have never been more accessible. If you're on a budget or not sure where to start, you can always try Online-Therapy*, a great tool to talk to someone while also working through a CBT program at your own pace.

I hope this has been eye opening for you, and if anything you could put a word to what you may be experiencing. If you ever have any questions about managing burnout, please feel free to drop a comment or DM me on all socials. We're all navigating a new world and we all deserve happiness. Drop a comment if you explore other options to prevent burnout and can share with others!

*If you use the above link to sign up, you get a 20% discount and I get a small commission!
PLEASE NOTE: Information provided above about brain function and needs are paraphrased in my own understanding of the terms. Please always do your own research!