I have been experiencing creative burnout lately and I've found it quite hard to deal with.
When the day finally hit, the world suddenly seemed quite grey. The thing I was finding so much fun was becoming challenging. I had gone from painting every single day to not wanting to pick up a paintbrush at all! I am the type of person who prides myself on being productive and when I am not, I can be hard on myself (alas is something I am working on!)
Creative burnout happens you push your creative energy beyond the point of recovery - similar to a well of water, creative energy replenishes itself slowly over time.
Here are my five tips I have found helpful when experiencing creative burnout:
1 - Take Time Off
Allowing yourself some breathing room can help you recover and also avoid burnout in the future. I put my paintbrushes down and left the studio for an unexpected two weeks, I am now eager to get painting again. You really can't force creativity!
2 - Get Off Social Media!
I find that social media can be an amazing place and full of inspiration. However, when you are in burnout seeing other people being creative and doing lots doesn't help. I recommend you to fully check out, put your phone away and avoid the internet. I guarantee it helps restore your body, mind, and soul.
3 - Get outside
Spending time outside and with nature is so healing. I personally feel being outside in nature can help to clear your head, ground you and give you a gentle reminder to slow down.
4 - Exercise.
Exercise is a big part of keeping my mental health healthy!
I have started doing the 'Couch To 5K' which has slowly pushed me to get back into running.
5 - Break things into smaller pieces
Write a list of everything you need/want to get done. Break the list down into smaller pieces and just start to do one small task at a time. I find once I've got going and have completed a few pieces, I get into the swing of things and it doesn't seem so bad. If I ever feel stuck on one, I move onto another - it helps to keep things fresh.
It's important to remember creative burnout is normal and happens to all of the best creators. All you have to do is slow down and be present in your creating. Set yourself realistic deadlines. Remember to give yourself the time and space you need. Your creative burnout will soon begin to fade away.
Laura x
