As Activities Directors, our roles inherently place us in the public eye. Whether we’re sharing updates on school events, celebrating student successes, or connecting with peers, social media often becomes an essential part of our work and personal lives. However, the constant activity and exposure can sometimes lead to overwhelm or negativity. For many of us, taking a step back to reassess how we engage online is an important part of maintaining our well-being.  I have found myself typing then deleting, then typing again, posting it, and then … you guessed it, deleting the post.  Even when the post is innocuous it seems to bring trolls and negativity to your door step.

Here are practical strategies to help you navigate social media in a way that prioritizes positivity and self-care:

1. Set Clear Intentions for Your Social Media Use

Ask yourself: What is my purpose on social media? Is it to inspire, inform, or simply stay connected? Defining your “why” will help you determine the kind of content you want to share and engage with. As leaders, focusing on uplifting and educational posts can foster a healthier digital environment for both you and your audience.

2. Create Boundaries Around Posting

Consider adopting a personal policy of posting only specific types of content, such as:

• Photos of school events or leadership activities.
• Inspirational quotes or success stories from your campus.
• Positive personal updates that bring joy, like a favorite hobby or a family milestone.

By curating your posts, you can limit the likelihood of unnecessary criticism while maintaining a constructive presence.

3. Take a Social Media Break

Sometimes, the best way to recharge is by stepping back completely. Temporary breaks can help you reset and refocus. If this feels too drastic, consider reducing the time spent on certain platforms or limiting your posting schedule to once a week or less.

4. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Social media platforms like Facebook offer tools to control who sees your posts. Adjust your privacy settings to limit visibility to close friends or family. You can also turn off commenting on posts to minimize unwanted feedback.

5. Reflect Before You Post

Before sharing anything, ask yourself: Does this bring value or joy to me and my audience? If the answer is no, consider skipping the post. This mindfulness approach can prevent unnecessary stress.

6. Share Your Plan with Your Community

If you’ve decided to step back or limit your online activity, a thoughtful message to your audience can set expectations and maintain transparency. Here’s an example of what you might post:

Hi Friends,
I’ve decided to take a step back from posting on Facebook for a while. Lately, I’ve realized I want to focus more on the positive moments in my life without the added noise or stress.

I’ll still be here to enjoy your updates and share a cute photo or fun memory occasionally, but I’m shifting my energy toward other ways of connecting and staying grounded.

Thank you for understanding, and I appreciate the kindness and support I’ve always felt here.

Feel free to reach out if you want to stay in touch!

7. Redirect Your Energy to Offline Connections

While social media can be a powerful tool, nothing replaces face-to-face interactions or genuine connections with students and colleagues. Channel your creativity into planning events, mentoring students, or collaborating on projects that bring your community together in meaningful ways.

Why It Matters for Activities Directors

As leaders, our online presence is often an extension of our professional lives. By modeling healthy social media habits, we not only protect our own mental health but also set an example for our students and peers. In a time when social media can be both a tool and a challenge, showing balance and intentionality can inspire others to do the same.

Taking a break or reassessing your approach to social media doesn’t mean you’re stepping away from leadership—it means you’re leading by example in prioritizing what matters most.

Final Thought As Activities Directors, you have the unique ability to shape your community both online and offline. Use this opportunity to model positivity, set boundaries, and inspire others to find joy in meaningful connections. After all, leadership isn’t just about being visible—it’s about being intentional.