Navigating (Creative) Burnout

Burnout is a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It is often experienced by people working in high-stress or fast-paced work environments.

But in the realm of creativity, burnout can be a formidable adversary.

For the past few years, I have been grappling with this relentless force, struggling to find my creative spark amidst the fog of fatigue and frustration. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience with creative burnout, discuss the impact it had on my work, and provide tips for managing stress that may be causing a creative block.

A Silent Struggle

Creative burnout can often sneak up on us, disguised as a temporary lack of inspiration. For me, it began subtly. It started with a diminishing enthusiasm for projects, both personal and assigned, and a growing sense of detachment from my work overall. An activity that I once enjoyed began to feel like a burden, ideas that once flowed effortlessly for creative tasks became elusive.

The Toll It Takes

As the years went on, the toll of creative burnout became more pronounced. It wasn’t just about feeling uninspired; it was a side-effect of the depression and anxiety that had been building up within me for a long time and it was taking a toll on my overall well-being. I also was experiencing heightened stress levels, and diminished motivation, and with it also came a pervasive sense of self-doubt. It was a complex cocktail of emotions that left me questioning my identity as a creator and what I wanted in my life.

Unrealistic Expectations

As I reflect on my past, I realize that my burnout was due to a lack of self-care, constant comparison with others, and unrealistic expectations. Some years ago, I had a job that provided me with a comfortable wage, but it was mentally and physically exhausting. My work was monotonous, making it difficult to think creatively or take on any new projects. My daily responsibilities were repetitive and analytical, with occasional physical labor that lasted for 10 to 12-hour shifts. As a result, my mental state was impacted, and I lost motivation to work on creative projects.

In addition to that, I found myself frequently scrolling through social media pages like Tumblr or Instagram, comparing my work to that of my favorite young and up-and-coming artists. I felt like I was falling behind in life and letting myself down. I spent most of my young adult life working a job that I didn’t like, trying to earn a living. My overall career goals and aspirations were no longer as important to me. Furthermore, I lacked any basic understanding of graphic design principles. I felt that my drawing style had not changed much in the decade I spent working, and I could not think of any other options to help me get out of the rut I was in. I was stuck.

Change of scenery

Although I felt stuck in my situation at that point in my life, I realized that the only person responsible for keeping me there was myself. We can often be our own worst enemy when it comes to striving for self-improvement. I had to make a decision: either pursue a career path that would provide me with a better quality of life, or continue working in a job that only paid me a competent salary with no peace of mind. I chose the former, even though the idea scared me. I was so used to being an employee that the thought of starting up and managing my schedule on my own was intimidating. However, it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. After resigning, I was blessed enough to find a job that was more in line with my degree studies and the creative career I always wanted. This experience as an independent contractor helped me realize my desire to freelance on my own.

Eventually, I moved back to the mid-south, where I now spend my time working on improving my entrepreneurial skills and studying for my Bachelor’s degree.

Conclusion

Although not as severe, I still experience periods of creative blockage from time to time. However, recently, I was able to sit down and draw something and genuinely enjoy the process. Creative burnout can be a sneaky struggle that affects people differently – some may only deal with it briefly, while others may end up dealing with it for several years.

Here are some tips for you:

I would like to emphasize that this state of mind (burnout) is often a sign of underlying issues. It is important to take a step back and reflect on the factors in our lives that may be contributing to our stress. To overcome any creative blocks, here are some tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

• Embrace the process:  Acknowledging burnout is the first step towards healing. It’s important to understand that burnout is a signal for your mind and body to rest, not a sign of failure.

• Seek inspiration outside the familiar: To combat creative burnout, one of the most effective strategies is to seek inspiration from sources beyond your usual ones. To rejuvenate your creative spirit, explore different art forms, immerse yourself in nature, and engage in conversations with diverse individuals.

• Rest more often: Taking rest is not a weakness, but a powerful tool for renewal. Prioritizing self-care and allowing yourself the space to recharge becomes instrumental in the journey towards overcoming burnout. It is remarkable how a well-rested mind can ignite a newfound sense of creativity.

• Connect with a Supportive Community: Connecting with other creative individuals and discussing your struggles with them can be incredibly helpful. It serves as a reminder that creative burnout is a common experience, and you are not alone in this. Being a part of a supportive community provides you with practical advice and a sense of camaraderie that can be very valuable.

Navigating through creative burnout can be a tough journey, but it can also lead to reigniting your creative spark. Although it may not be an easy process, going through it can teach you about the importance of being kind to yourself, seeking inspiration outside of your comfort zone, and the power of community in overcoming challenges.

If you're currently struggling with creative burnout, remember that you're not alone. Trust the process, prioritize self-care, and look for inspiration in unexpected places. Remember that it's through these struggles that we become stronger, wiser, and more in tune with our creative selves.