For over a decade now, I’ve seen how the SEO industry transforms, adapts, and reinvents itself again and again. Our world has shifted dramatically (and quickly) many times.
But if I’m being honest, something bigger is happening right now and it doesn’t stop for a second. Google’s core updates keep coming. AI-powered workflows, decreasing visibility and conversion pressure, and those who want us to believe that SEO is dead and fantasy terms like GEO, LLMO, AIO, etc. are born are pressing us to rethink everything.
And while I’ve always prided myself on keeping pace and loving challenges, lately those efforts feel… exhausting.
From corridor chats at conferences to conversations with colleagues around the globe, I hear the same sentiment: even experienced SEOs feel the creeping fatigue and a quiet burnout.
So I reached out to 24 SEO professionals and asked them:
– How you manage the mental load
– What’s helping you feel less overwhelmed
– What you’re focusing on (or letting go of)
– How you’re navigating burnout or avoiding it altogether
The answers felt less like quotes and more like lifelines. I hope their stories remind you that you are not alone. Read on to feel seen, heard, and maybe even healed by our shared resilience.
24 Ways SEOs Are Managing Burnout
Each of the following professionals shared a unique approach to staying grounded and mentally well in one of the most volatile industries today.
1. Prioritize the Basics
Katarina Dahlin – Founder of Slow Flower Garden
It is indeed challenging to stay ahead of everything that is happening in SEO right now with AI searches, automation and Google’s frequent algorithm changes. With the new things, be aware of the shiny object syndrome. Everyone talks about the new things, but the basics in SEO still bring in the majority of the traffic in many cases.
Focus on the basics, while keeping an eye on what is happening with the new things. Work in a team if you can and learn from each other and help each other to stay ahead, because too much is happening and it is impossible to take in everything. Find friends in SEO with whom you can ventilate things.
2. Celebrate the Wins That Matter Now
Alyssa Corso – SEO Consultant, Founder of Alyssa Corso LLC
Social media can fuel burnout. There’s so much noise, so many opinions, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. When that happens, I focus on the wins I am seeing, even if they look different than before.
Share those weekly wins with your team! Did you show up in the AI overview box? Did your brand appear in a ChatGPT result? Things are changing, but you’re still doing great work. You’re learning and adapting, and with time, that will feel more natural.
3. Take a Day Off and Talk to a Therapist
Dixon Jones – CEO of InLinks
We all feel that our lot is worse than everyone else’s. Of course, for many, this is true. But for all of us – it is subjective. For me I have been battling with a new business venture and being the main wage earner, whilst my partner has been going through the terrible reality of cancer and chemotherapy. She has good days and bad days, but every day can be framed as good or bad… and sometimes that feeling can change in an instant.
So how do I cope? Well, I mostly take Fridays off these days. I need the space and I really do not think it reduces my productivity. I have a regular therapist, just to talk through what I am thinking with someone that can keep it to themselves and share the burden. I allow myself the luxury of a massage every month.
1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetimes, I am told. Maybe “worse off” really is subjective. But rest and reflection is real and helpful.
4. 30 Minutes a Day to Read News
Inma Cruz Fuentes – SEO Specialist at Rocket Digital
I work at an agency managing multiple clients, and staying updated can be tough. Still, I try to carve out 30 minutes a day to read industry news, even when it feels like I don’t have time. It’s essential for doing my job well and bringing real value to my clients.
With my team, we also set aside time weekly to share updates and discuss trends. When you feel like skipping the news, remember: staying informed is part of the job, maybe the most important part. Don’t feel guilty, feel smart for making it a priority.
5. Ask for Help and Get Out of the House While Working Remotely
Ritah Augustine – Account Manager
Task management while working remotely. Handling multiple accounts sometimes is challenging in a way that each has its unique needs. For example, I might set a time limit for an account, but in most cases, I don’t complete the task since there’s a lot of back and forth especially with the challenging field where I have to learn how to manage the task.
I end up using my resting time for work in order to hit the target, which leaves me completely exhausted and feeling disconnected from my family.
I have learnt to ask for help even if it means lower salary in order to hire more team members or freelancers. My family is also helpful in a way that they signed me up in a sport and an activity with a commitment just to get me out of the house.
Currently, I feel better and healthy. I have met a lot of amazing people through my activities who turned into good friends.
6. You Can’t Predict Everything Anymore And That’s Okay
Gerry White – SEO Nerd of Dergal
You know how clients expect us to predict the future? In a way, that’s always been part of the job. But now, more than ever, we just can’t, at least not in the same ways.
The old methods for forecasting performance or even figuring out who’s actually winning in the SERPs are fading. A lot of the traditional tools and techniques we used to rely on just aren’t holding up anymore. And yet, people are still debating whether SEO is dead, for what feels like the hundredth time.
It’s not dead. But it is changing fast. Google is treating almost everything we publish as if, once it’s out there, it’s out of our hands. That shift is real, and it’s hitting both sides – agencies, consultants, and the clients we support. That uncertainty is making planning harder.
So when clients come to us for answers, increasingly the most honest thing we can say is “it depends”. We don’t fully see what users are doing anymore, we can’t track their messy journeys the way we used to, and that lack of visibility is a growing part of the challenge.
One thing I am very grateful for is the communities I am in that share their challenges, solutions and it shows not only are we not alone and the SEO, digital community is one of the most caring and sharing industries I’ve seen.
7. Reframe Fear as Collaboration
Sertaç Sürmeli – Managing Partner of Woohoo Digital
The AI and LLM hype is fueling people’s anxiety. Many people fear they’ll lose their jobs because of AI and LLMs. Meanwhile, the realities of this issue are rarely discussed. I wish the truth were discussed more. This way, instead of worrying about the future, we could explore how we can benefit from it together.
8. Cut the Noise in Half
Aimee Jurenka – Strategist at seo SUSTAINABLE
I had to stop trying to keep up with everything. One day, I opened a doc, wrote down everything I thought I needed to learn right now, and just… stared at it. Then I cut it in half. Then I picked one thing a day to focus on.
The truth is, trying to absorb every update, tool, and algorithm shift at once just scrambles my brain and burns out my spirit. This industry moves fast, but I move better when I slow it down, get clear on what matters right now, and let the rest wait.
9. Prioritize What Moves the Needle
Liz Linder – Director of SEO at Kick Point and KP Playbook
Prioritization is your best friend! ✨ When big changes happen and work feels like it’s piling up, I like to start with articles, tools, or updates that directly impact day-to-day client work. Think: what’s going to move the needle today, or even this week?
I keep things organized by sorting new resources into categories and just tackling a few at a time. There is no pressure to binge everything all at once. It’s work, not a Netflix marathon.
I also like to block out dedicated time for testing and implementation, even if it’s something small. Because SEO isn’t just about knowing something, it’s about doing it. Small, consistent action beats information overload. This not only helps build your skills, but it helps build confidence.
While I’m known to often live by the words of Taylor Swift, in this industry remember that “you’re [not] on your own kid.” 💕💻
10. Go for a Walk and Pace Your Brain
Lauren Schwartz – SEO & Content Manager at Maid2Match
It’s been a challenge recently feeling like there is little stability in the SEO industry. When I start feeling frustrated about the current state of the SERPs, I remind myself that they’re a short-term issue and it’s the long-term that counts. My team’s hard work isn’t going anywhere – it’s contributing to the bigger picture of building a trustworthy, ‘real’ brand online.
Personally, it’s been very useful to get outside for some fresh air when I’m feeling stuck or overwhelmed. I’m lucky enough to work from home full-time, so I take my dog for a 10-15 minute walk and return to my desk once I’m feeling clearheaded again.
Another way I manage the mental load is by spreading out ‘bigger’ tasks throughout the week. I’m not a technical SEO, so if I need to do a more technical task I’ll make sure I have “lighter” tasks to do afterwards on that day so it feels more manageable. If I don’t preserve my brain power in a thoughtful way throughout the week, I’m going to feel fried by the time Friday rolls around.
11. Choose One Newsletter to Keep Up with Everything
Corina Burri – SEO Consultant
It’s impossible to read every news about “how to optimize for AIO”. Every day there are new posts on LinkedIn or on blogs. What helps me is to center news-intake. At the moment I follow only one SEO newsletter, but I read this one from A to Z each week. With this I don’t feel stressed out when I scroll LinkedIn.
It’s the Core Update newsletter from Candour – I’m not affiliated, just find it genuinely good in terms of length and news density.
12. Relevance > Recency
Rewati Khare – Group Head – SEO at Pepper Content
Honestly? I had to stop trying to “stay on top of everything.” That mindset was burning me out fast.
Now I focus on relevance over recency. I ask myself: “Is this AI update actually affecting my clients right now? Or is it just noise?” Most of the time, it’s the latter.
I have also made peace with letting some things go unread. If it is important, it will circle back through a podcast, a Slack group, or a trusted peer.
The real game changer, though, was blocking out time every week to not think about SEO at all. Zero Slack. Zero threads. Just books, walks, and being a person again. That distance gives me way more clarity than doom scrolling ever did.
Burnout doesn’t always hit like a crash, it sneaks in when you are doing too much of the right things, for too long, without pause.
13. Practice Strategic “No”s
Caitlin (Proctor) Huston – Owner of Edit Ever After
I dealt with burnout in a previous position, so here are the skills I’m applying today as an SEO specialist: Ruthless prioritization and saying “no” strategically.
I picked up three great tips from a book called “The No Club The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work.”
- Assume that the future is going to look pretty much like today, and you will have the same amount of stress, time, and obligations.
- Estimate that any task will take about 4 times as long as you think it will. It tends to be more accurate, and stops me from overcommitting.
- Remember that saying no to non-critical work means you are available to say yes to other opportunities (or rest).
14. Start with Gratitude and Body Movement
Jeanne Tan – CEO/Founder of Search and Jeanne
I’d start my mornings with a gratitude prayer, just saying thanks for the peaceful and calm of that very moment. Then I follow it up with a 15-minute exercise – varies from yoga stretches to cardio. After that, a quick 10-minute meditation of my intentions for that day.
I also keep a tab on my daily energetic levels, this way I can see my pattern of how many days I can keep my high energy before it starts to dwindle for a few days again.
On my low-energy days, I’d go for a swim or learn something new but related to my work as an SEO. I just find learning to be calming and rejuvenating to me. So far, these mindful “stackables” have helped me run my SEO services business efficiently without feeling overwhelmed all the time.
15. Resilience = Daily Habits
Ramona Joita – Founder of Marketez
Running a boutique agency and managing multiple SEO projects across industries takes a lot of focus, energy, and clarity. Over the years, I’ve learned that performance isn’t just about strategy and results, it’s also about resilience.
To avoid burnout, I’ve built a daily routine that keeps my mind sharp and my body grounded:
- I start each day with 30 minutes of meditation. It helps me stay centered, especially when deadlines stack up.
- I stay active through regular gym sessions or yoga classes 2–3 times a week. It’s my way of resetting after deep focus work.
- I make time for long walks outdoors. Fresh air and movement do wonders for creative thinking.
- I prioritize time with my daughter and friends. Real connection balances out the digital world I work in.
- I eat a healthy diet – no meat, and minimal processed food. It helps with focus, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
Burnout is real in this industry. But with the right habits, it’s also preventable.
16. Track Time to Stay Honest
Nofisat Dopemu – Content and SEO Strategist
Receipts don’t lie. I manage burnout by keeping track of what I’m doing. I still track my hours as though I’m working in an agency because it keeps me accountable. It also helps me to be kinder to myself when I try to overwork.
I’m aware that things are moving fast in terms of AI however, people are still searching. I don’t focus on the noise, I filter it and take what’s useful for me to try to adapt into my work flow.
As someone who’s been burned out 3 times since I’ve been working at 22, I know that it happens when I let worry and overwhelm kick in. I genuinely log off on the weekends or when I take time off. Only a healthier me can produce quality work.
17. Transparency With Your Team
Irene Cecotti – SEO Specialist at Factorial
Communication with the team and transparency are the main pillars: on one side sharing and educating the teams on the changing field on the other I had an unexpected good reaction when I explain ‘this is so new we don’t know if this is working or not.
18. Stay Connected with Others
Sara Vordermeier – Content & Search Strategist
Marketing has always felt like a simultaneous marathon and sprint – you have a long-term vision and strategy, but also unrelenting urgency to keep up with trends and algorithms alongside that.
It’s so easy to burn out. It’s so difficult today to feel a true sense of accomplishment in what you’re doing. That’s why you absolutely should stay connected with others on your team or in your field, whether through Slack communities, social media or meet-ups.
You’re not alone; you’re most likely achieving things you don’t realise or even appreciate. Surround yourself with people who can remind you of that.
19. Focus on Just One Thing at a Time
Ila Bandhiya – Sr. Digital Marketer at Middleware
Letting go of wine’ this line keeps echoing in my head. In SEO, we’ve got strategies in place: content creation, promotion, outreach… the whole cycle. Some days, everything clicks, and it feels like we’re riding a wave. Other days, nothing moves, not even a little. That’s when the mental block hits hard.
On those days, I turn to music therapy or take short breaks to reset. I try to list out priorities and focus on just one task at a time so I don’t get lost juggling too many things at once. However, it’s tough between outreach, publishing, and updating existing content, it all piles up. Some days pass in a blur, with tasks piling up faster than I can clear them. Other days, the to-do list is done, but the day drags and that’s when I start to research what’s next in the pipeline.
Mental breaks aren’t optional anymore. I’ve realized I need to unlearn specific ways of working to make space for new ones. It’s a constant reset.
20. Flip the Fear Coin
Jade Pruett – Founder of HelloSEO
As if keeping up with the hundreds of Google algorithm updates each year wasn’t enough, now the AI Search space is evolving at lightning speed with endless details to track. It’s A LOT. Feeling overwhelmed and burned out is easy.
One thing I always remind myself: scared and excited are two sides of the same coin. When I start thinking I need to be an expert on everything, I mentally flip that coin to the excited side. Because honestly, it’s SUCH a cool time to be in our industry. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and reframe your focus.
My other big tip is to only follow a handful of experts you truly trust. If you try to keep up with every AI SEO voice on LinkedIn, you’ll feel pulled in 100 different directions. Narrow your scope, tune into the few who bring you real value, and get excited about the future.
21. Mental Health Needs the Mic
Stephanie Long – Founder & CEO of Mrs. SEO
I wish more people talked about mental health. I struggle with mental health issues and still run two businesses. It’s very hard and many days I want to give up.
We are really only showing the glamorous side of starting a business from launch to securing fundraising, however, there are so many people that are bootstrapping their business.
My mental health was so bad last year that I didn’t think I could go on. There were days that I was working and tears wouldn’t stop streaming down my face. There were days that I was crying and tried to use make-up to cover up that I was crying because I had to get on a client call.
Starting a business is already hard, but when you deal with mental health challenges it’s even that much more challenging.
22. Remove the Noise and Focus on What Works
Nicola Hughes – Head of SEO at TAL Agency
I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy earlier this year, and it really forced me to slow down and look at what’s actually worth spending energy on. Now I try to focus only on the bits of SEO that move the needle: the stuff that actually matters to clients and impacts performance. The rest can wait.
I’ve also been ruthless with my LinkedIn feed. I’ve unfollowed the noise and the SEO bros, and now it’s curated to show posts that genuinely help me do better work. That small change has made a huge difference to my headspace.
And I’m really lucky to have a supportive team around me. We vent when we need to, we help each other hit deadlines, and we have regular catch ups so everyone’s up to speed with the latest changes in Google Search. It makes the chaos feel more manageable.
23. Reverse To-Do Lists and Reclaiming the Mental Space
Yagmur Simsek – Founder of Search ‘n Stuff
Honestly, what’s saved me lately is flipping my to-do list into a “reverse to-do list.” Instead of spiralling over what I haven’t done, I jot down what I have done; it instantly feels less chaotic, proving I’m making progress and making me proud of myself, even with daily achievements.
I also set three bigger focus areas for the month or quarter and keep them pinned in my calendar. Every day, I spend 10 minutes checking in: ‘Did I do anything that moves the needle on one of these?’ It keeps me grounded when everything else is moving fast.
Another big shift? Saying “I don’t know” more often. Instead of defaulting to “Let’s find it together” (and taking on research that isn’t mine to do), I’ve learned to let people own their part of the process. Add in exercise, routines, and saying “no” to things that don’t serve me — that’s been my burnout armour.
24. Choose Yourself Over the Work
Bengü Sarıca Dinçer – SEO Manager at Designmodo
In my professional career, before I realized how I feel about it, burnout had been more of a norm than an exception. Meeting deadlines, chasing updates, generating growth ideas, struggling to be more visible in the industry, taking extra work for financial comfort… it all came at a cost: weekends, evenings, time with loved ones, and personal passions.
But worse than burnout was normalizing it. I convinced myself that because I loved my job, I had to push nonstop. That pausing meant falling behind. I was so disconnected from myself that I couldn’t even see how mentally drained I had become.
Things shifted when I became more active in SEO communities. Lovely friends from the industry reminded me that the updates never end but we must protect our peace. I turned off mobile notifications, stopped being “always reachable,” and made space for travel, rest, and real life.
I still love what I do. But now I know: to show up fully in my work, I have to show up for myself first.
Final Words: We’re Doing Great Work and Not Alone in This
Reading through all these stories, one thing becomes crystal clear: burnout doesn’t care how long you’ve been in the industry, how passionate you are, how successful you look from the outside, or what job title you have. It sneaks in quietly, especially in a field like ours where everything is urgent, always evolving, and never really “done.”
But these 24 honest, brave contributions reminded me (and I hope reminded you too) that we’re not alone in how we feel. Behind the strategies, metrics, and job titles, we’re all just people trying to do meaningful work without losing our sanity in the process.
Some of us found peace by stepping away from their LinkedIn feed. Some reconnected with a community that they feel belongs to. Others embraced stillness or changed how they define success altogether.
There’s no single fix, but there’s so much we can learn from each other, isn’t it?
The upcoming Search ‘n Stuff Conference in Antalya this October might just be one of those moments: a chance to listen, share, and feel a little less alone in all of this.
To everyone who contributed to this piece: thank you. Your vulnerability is a gift, and your words will no doubt help others feel seen and understood.
And to anyone reading this who’s feeling tired, overwhelmed, or quietly burned out: you’re not broken. You’re just human.
