Why I'm Not Getting on Threads
Trends emerge every once in a while, some new thing to jump on to like everyone else. While FOMO might compel me to act, I find that there are often benefits in knowing when NOT to act. So here are some reasons why I’m not getting on Instagram Threads.
1. It’s overwhelming
The fast-paced nature of threads, where conversations evolve quickly, can be overwhelming. Keeping up with constant updates can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, giving a constant subtle pressure to create content just to feed yet another insatiable social media platform. Over time, the need to churn out quantity can lead to creative burnout and lower the quality of your work overall.
2. Time management and boundaries
Engaging on threads can be time-consuming. If you have a creative business to run, managing your time between producing art and participating in online communities can be challenging. While I want to make it easy for potential clients to reach me, I don’t want to make it too easy. This is especially so if it starts eating into my down time and keeping me glued to my devices. Left unchecked, this eventually can negatively impact mental health.
3. Time away from creating art
Content creation already takes up a large chunk of time with many of us already juggling Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, Youtube. Have you considered what are the effects on your time if you add a new app to the mix?
4. Distraction
There have been way too many times I got onto social media just to check something and ended up spending half an hour scrolling away. When it comes to using social media for work, I want to make sure my time on it is spent purposefully and efficiently.
To address these challenges and improve your mental well-being while navigating social media as a creative business owner, consider the following strategies:
1. Set boundaries
Establish clear boundaries for when and how you engage with social media platforms to prevent burnout and maintain work-life balance. I wrote another blog about learning to establish clear social media boundaries between you and your creative biz that you can read here.
2. Practice self-care
Prioritize self-care routines that support your mental health, such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking professional help if needed. Take the time to listen to yourself and your mental state. Over time, you’ll get a much better sense of what you’re really feeling at any given moment and this will help you make decisions that best reflect your most authentic self.
3. Selective engagement
Be selective about the online communities you choose to participate in. Focus on those that align with your interests and values. Don’t be afraid to unfollow or mute accounts that you feel are not helping you get to where you want to in life.
Remember that your mental health should always be a priority. It's okay to take breaks or even make the conscious choice to not participate in certain platforms when necessary to ensure your well-being as a creative business owner. As artists, our work comes from who we are. Ensuring that we are in good shape is a crucial first step in creating good art.
