CRyder Design

An Introduction

As a working, full-time college student it should come as no surprise that I often find myself burnt out creatively. Every day brings new tasks that I have to balance between the responsibilities of work and school. With fast-approaching deadlines sometimes it is hard to find the time to take a break and close my laptop. I am always trying to develop a new skill, or refine an existing one, so finding time to relax and let my brain rest does not always come often. When I don’t find time to take a breather from work and school I feel drained like my creative gas tank is empty. This is the feeling of creative burnout, and it is why it is so important to take time for yourself!

What is Burnout?

Creative individuals are not equipped with an endless supply of new, creative ideas. They sometimes struggle to think creatively just like any average person. Sometimes, the well of creativity runs dry and it feels like there is nothing left to give. When creatives are continuously tasked with developing new and innovative ideas, it can be frustrating to lack the ability to do so. If you feel like you’ve lost your creative touch, you may be dealing with creative burnout, or, “the feeling that you’ve drained all of your creativity, and there is nothing left” (“Creative Burnout. Time to Take a Break?”). Burnout can be the cause of mental, physical, and emotional stress due to the amount of work on your plate.

How Does it Happen? & What Does it Look Like? 

Creative burnout can result from a variety of different factors, overworking yourself and not allowing time for breaks is one of the most common. “If you want to understand what causes it, look at your plate – if there’s too much, not enough or something you don’t like on it, you might be in for a ride on the burnout train” (“Creative Burnout. Time to Take a Break?”). It is possible you’ve already experienced burnout, and you may not even have known it! There are a variety of burnout symptoms, and it presents itself differently in different people.

The symptoms of burnout include: exhaustion, feeling constantly drained, feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, frustration and feelings of reduced professional ability, cynicism and irritability, procrastination and dreading to start work, frequent headaches, stomach and bowel problems (“Creative Burnout. Time to Take a Break?”). Burnout will look different from individual to individual, and its persistence varies as well.

Author, Ward Andrews explains it as, “…the moments of frustrations when you feel like you’ve tried everything, nothing is working, and you literally can’t get your brain to think of anything else. Personally, creative burnout leaves me feeling ‘broken,’ like something is inherently wrong with me because I can’t seem to get my ideas out there in the right way” (“How to Know If You’re Suffering From Creative Burnout (And What to Do About it)”). This is an explanation that resonates with me because it puts into words just how I feel when I’m burnt out creatively.

How Can You Fix It?

Truthfully, it is better to do your best to avoid burnout as soon as you begin to feel like you are losing steam. Giving your brain a break and walking away could work wonders for you. “Taking a break is not wasted time. Think of it as your investment in a burnout-free future – and a great opportunity to get some fresh air or play that video game you’ve been dying to try for ages” (“Creative Burnout. Time to Take a Break?”).

However, there are situations where burnout may not be completely avoidable and there are a few strategies that you can use to navigate it. Upon reading his article, I agree with what author Ward Andrews recommends that you do. His recommendations include, “Rediscover your purpose and motivation, go back to basics, examine your schedule and environment, seek inspiration, or increase your challenge or your skill level” (“How to Know If You’re Suffering From Creative Burnout (And What to Do About it)”).

In Conclusion

Though there are steps to take to prevent it, creative burnout is not always entirely avoidable. Learning how to navigate and overcome it is a learning experience. It has the potential to teach you what does and doesn’t work, regarding your work habits, and some things that you may need to change. Always remember to walk away when it is necessary, and to make time for self-care!