7 Best Ways Combat Creative Burnout
Creative burnout is the feeling of being so tired from the creative work that you feel unable to continue with it. There will always be challenges to meet when working in any creative field; this is why it’s important to stay aware of the risks of burnout and make sure you take steps to overcome it before it gets too bad. Read on for 7 tips on how to cope with creative burnout – and how not to get there in the first place.
- Take a break and recharge
This might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but it is one of the most important things you can do to combat creative burnout. Creative work can often be very draining, both emotionally and physically. How much time you allow yourself off will depend on your schedule, your type of work, and how burnt out you are feeling. If you feel like you need more time to fully recover from your last project, take it!
- Define what “done” means for your project
Before you start on any project, it’s a good idea to define what “done” looks like. This can help you combat creative burnout by keeping you on track for what needs to be accomplished. It can also help you stay focused on your goals, making it harder to get distracted from your creative work. If you work with a team, you should make sure your colleagues know what “done” means for each of your projects as well.
- Turn to your support network
When you’re feeling especially burnt out, reach out to your support network. This can be anything from talking to a friend or family member to attending a support group, depending on your needs. Going through an emotionally draining time can also sometimes make you feel like you’re not as “creative” as you normally are.
- Don’t work constantly without rest
This one sort of goes with the above two tips. Don’t work constantly without allowing yourself to rest – and vice versa. While you don’t want to stop working, you also don’t want to burn yourself out. You might also be working in an environment that doesn’t allow you to truly relax. Noise, bright lights, and uncomfortable seating can all make it harder to truly shut your mind off and rest properly. While it’s important to be productive and meet deadlines, you also want to make sure your work is not harming you.
- Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is often recommended for several different mental health issues. This can include any type of physical activity that gets your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise can be great for your mental health, especially when paired with meditation or other relaxation techniques.
- Eat right and pay attention to your body’s needs
Most of us do not get the right amount of sleep or nutrition. Sometimes this is because we’re busy. When we’re stressed out or burnt out, our bodies need more calories so that we have the energy to keep going. It’s easy to forget to eat or just eat badly when you’re stressed. So when you’re feeling worn out, make sure to eat more.
- Try creative activities that aren’t work-related
If you’re feeling really burnt out, it might be a good idea to take a break from the projects you’ve been working on and turn to something that is not work-related. You might want to start a new creative project but are having a hard time due to a lack of inspiration. Or you might just want to read a book or watch a movie that will take your mind off for a bit.
Creative people are often passionate and driven. However, it’s important to note that creative people aren’t any more or less susceptible to burnout than anyone else. If you’re experiencing any of these signs of creative burnout, it’s important to take action before it gets too bad.
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