Three Ways To Combat Burnout
If you’re restless, struggling with brain fog, or feeling drained, you might be experiencing burnout. The good news is, you’re not alone. Burnout occurs in all industries, but it’s especially common among entrepreneurs and other self-employed people — like content creators! While burnout is unpleasant, there are several proven ways to get through it – and avoid it in the future. Keep reading for three techniques you can use to combat burnout now and get your creative mind back on track.
Practice Mindfulness
It’s easy to get caught up in the creative process when you’re excited about what you’re making. However, working too hard or for too long can lead to frustration and exhaustion. It’s important to give your mind time to rest so you can recharge and approach your work with fresh energy. Try starting each morning with a moment of mindfulness. Granting yourself a few minutes of peace before beginning your day is a great way to center yourself and prevent overwhelm.
Practice Mindfulness To Avoid Burnout
You can also schedule mental breaks into your routine. This can be as simple as taking the time to notice your surroundings, or pay attention to your breathing. Stretching or yoga are also perfect options for breaks. Stand up, move your muscles, and give yourself space to reset before getting back to work. Taking breaks is not a sign of failure; it will help your focus and allow you to be more productive in the long run.
Redefine Success
Many creators struggle with perfectionism and the pressure to succeed, especially when social media makes it easy to measure the popularity of your work with “likes” and follower counts. Rethinking how you define your success can lessen the effects of burnout. Concentrate on your “why” — the reasons you started creating. Maybe you wanted to tell a story, or connect with your community. Focusing on your internal motivation rather than external markers of success will give your work meaning and allow you to appreciate the progress you’ve made.
Explore how perfectionism relates to burnout and cover three cognitive exercises that will help you release the chains of perfectionism.
It’s also helpful to integrate happiness into your work. Think of five things that make you happy, and try to bring them into your life daily. This might look like talking to a friend, playing with a pet, or keeping things that remind you of loved ones in your workspace. Allow yourself time each day to focus on what brings you joy outside of your creative process.
Lean On Your Support System
One of the hardest parts of burnout is the feeling of isolation that comes with it. In times of stress, it's important to have a support system in place that can offer support, advice, or just a friendly ear. A strong network can keep you accountable, offer perspective, and improve your quality of life, both personally and professionally.
Learn why having a good support system is key to releasing isolation and emotional heaviness that is connected to burnout, the different types of support, and strategies for connecting and building community.
Start by visualizing your ideal support system: What kind of relationships do you want? What kind of feedback will make your work better? Keeping these principles in mind will help you seek out and maintain a strong (and mutually beneficial) support system. Don’t be scared to ask for help and show vulnerability — it’s the best way to find the community that’s right for you.
If you’ve been feeling burned out, we have a full playlist dedicated to symptoms, strategies, and solutions for avoiding burnout it in the future. Subscribe to the Google for Creators YouTube channel for more advice on your creative journey!