Here's how to to take a social media detox when being online is your job ft. creative professionals

From micro-breaks to putting your phone away during meals, here are ways creative professionals can take a social media detox even when their career is to be online

Social media has become such a crucial part of our lives that it’s almost impossible to imagine going a day without it. You’ve likely heard friends mention taking a break from social media, or perhaps you’ve even considered doing a “digital detox” yourself, hoping to step away from the overwhelming noise. However, for those working in creative fields, the thought of disconnecting can often feel like an impossible task because, without a constant presence on social media, it can feel as though your work may come to a standstill. While our dependence on social media for inspiration and staying connected is real, we all need a break from the noise every now and then. And yet, the idea of a“digital detox” can feel like something that’s just not for us, especially when our careers depend on being online. But how do you find that balance without compromising your work? 

To figure that out, we chatted with Ekta Dixit, a psychologist and content creator, Puja Rani Pal, a talent manager, and Anamika Kumari, Associate Creative Director at White Rivers Media. All of them work in different creative spaces but face the same issue: managing the pressure of social media while trying to avoid burnout. We dug into their personal experiences to see how they cope with social media fatigue.

Also Read: Protecting creators online: Shraddha Shenoy’s legal guide to cyberbullying and misuse of posts

Is a digital disconnect even possible for creative professionals? 

Ekta Dixit believes that a full digital detox isn’t a practical solution for creators whose work depends on social media. “A hybrid detox is far more sustainable,” she shares. "It's about being intentional with engagement rather than passively consuming content. Social media is a tool—it’s up to us to decide how we use it." Rather than quitting social media altogether, she advocates for a mindful approach, one that involves curating content consumption and engaging only with meaningful material. 

Anamika Kumari also believes that a total digital detox is unrealistic for creatives.“It’s not about elimination—it’s about control,” she states. Anamika emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, such as curating content to align with personal interests and avoiding the overstimulation that often accompanies endless scrolling. "Rather than completely disconnecting, the key is managing how much you engage," she explains, suggesting that taking intentional breaks during meals or social events can offer moments of relief from digital fatigue.

Puja Rani Pal echoes the sentiment that a complete detox isn’t feasible. "I believe it is possible, but only if there’s a trustworthy team in place," Puja says. She emphasises that taking breaks is essential for avoiding burnout, not just for the creators but for herself as well. With a reliable team to manage the digital presence, she ensures that the connection between the creator and their audience remains intact while maintaining her own mental well-being. "When a creator takes a break, their team can handle the digital responsibilities, but if breaks become too frequent, it can affect the audience's relationship with the creator," she notes.

View this post on Instagram

The pressure of constant engagement and the trap of overconsumption

Social media, while a powerful tool for creative folks, often becomes overwhelming. The constant need to stay active and engaged can lead to digital burnout, especially when it feels like there's always something new to post, watch, or react to. Ekta points out the illusion of constant inspiration on social media."Social media presents itself as a bottomless well of inspiration, but often, excessive scrolling leads to mental exhaustion rather than creativity," she warns. To avoid falling into this trap, she suggests curating one’s digital space by following only relevant accounts and limiting interaction with overwhelming content.

Puja is also aware of the delicate balance between productive engagement and harmful overconsumption.“Scrolling through reels, getting updates, and watching stories can feel necessary. But I make sure I’m not doing it for more than an hour at a time,” she shares. These small, mindful habits help prevent burnout and keep her engaged in a way that benefits her work and mental health.

Anamika adds that knowing when social media starts to drain rather than energise is key to maintaining a productive relationship with it."If scrolling feels draining instead of energising, it’s time to reevaluate," she advises. Recognising the difference between productive engagement and harmful overconsumption can help creative people to stay focused and ensure that their digital time is spent wisely.

The importance of taking breaks and managing expectations

The demand for constant digital presence is high, but both Anamika and Puja emphasise the importance of taking breaks. For Anamika, daily “micro-breaks” through activities like sleep and meditative reading help her reset. She also recommends limiting phone use during vacations to avoid feeling disconnected from real-life experiences. "Putting my phone away during meal hours and social gatherings and being mindful of doomscrolling have helped me manage screen fatigue effectively," she says.

Puja shares her experience of taking breaks when social media feels overwhelming. While it does affect her work in the short term, she emphasises that it never impacts her relationships with the talent she manages. “I communicate directly if I need a break. Since there’s a team in place, others can take over my role for a day or two,” she explains. This transparent communication ensures that her work continues smoothly, even when she steps back to recharge.

View this post on Instagram

A balanced approach to digital engagement

The growing awareness of mental health in India is influencing how creative folks approach their digital engagement. Anamika recognises that there’s a shift toward seeking relevant information instead of passively consuming content. "We’re realising that being constantly online doesn’t necessarily mean being effectively informed," she says. Puja acknowledges that while mental health awareness has improved, workplace stress remains an issue. "We understand mental health better now, but workplace pressure still exists. Unfortunately, cases of work-related stress leading to serious consequences still emerge," she points out. However, she believes that the growing recognition of mental health’s impact is helping reduce the stigma around taking breaks and speaking openly about burnout.

While a complete digital detox may not be feasible for people working in the creative industries, the key to maintaining a healthy relationship with social media lies in balance. By being intentional with digital engagement, setting boundaries, and taking regular breaks, creatives can avoid burnout and stay connected to what really matters—both professionally and personally. As Ekta Dixit puts it, "Social media should work for you, not the other way around." With the right mindset and practices, social media can remain a valuable tool for inspiration, networking, and growth without becoming a burden.

Did this help you in your social media detox? Let us know in the comments below.

For more such content, follow us on @socialketchup