Burnout often happens when we have too much output, and not enough input. It can occur when we have a huge ARC or TBR list that seems never-ending, or when we are churning out social media posts to try to keep the algorithm happy, or even when we're using all of our stored creativity to write that next book.
How do you know when you're in burnout? Well, both your emotional and physical well-being can suffer, and the following are some of the most common symptoms:
A loss of motivation, excitement, or drive to continue working on your project
Feeling a creative block, loosing your 'muse', or being uninspired
Feeling like an imposter, and negatively comparing yourself to others
Becoming frustrated and overly critical about your work
Feeling fatigued, exhausted, and irritable
Getting headaches or migraines
Having digestive issues
So, what can you do about it, and how can you stave off creative burnout?
Start by giving yourself grace. It's okay if things take longer than you first wanted, and taking a short break may be just what you need
Make self-care a must - whether it's taking a long bath, going for a walk, having a nap, going out for coffee, lighting a candle, or doing something else that brings you joy
Do something crafty - draw, paint, stitch, sew, collage, weave, or find some other creative pursuit to do while you recover
Try something like meditation or yoga, and practice mindfulness
Get out into nature - it's surprising what some fresh air, plants, and sunshine can do
Make sure to socialise - seeing family and friends can help
Be sure to drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and get enough sleep
Concentrate on getting enough creative input - if you're a reader having trouble reading, think about switching genres, book length, or format; if you're a creator, write down things you like seeing on social media, and try doing that; if you're an author, try reading a book or watching a movie
If you've tried all of this, and none of it has worked, you could also try seeking help via therapy, or just by talking about it with family, friends, or colleagues
Creative burnout can take weeks, or even months to recover from, so it's best to avoid it if possible. If you feel yourself starting to have these symptoms, try some of the tips above, and remember that you don't have to try to keep up with what you see everyone else doing.
Have you ever suffered creative burnout?
x Tempest
