7 Early Signs of Creative Burnout and What to Do
- Adilla
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
The creative industry is a fulfilling place for individuals who thrive in works that require them to be innovative and inspiring. But what happens when there is too much? Burnout is subtle until it’s too late.
Table of Contents:
7 Early Signs of Burnout
1. Physically Exhausted Despite Proper Sleep
Burnout can show up physically; even with a good 8 hours of sleep, the fatigue you would feel seems to weigh you down, and sleep cues show up despite the caffeine or energy drinks that you’re consuming to keep them away.
2. Stuck Like You’ve Lost Your Spark
The disconnection can be something as clear as feeling reluctance when picking up your pen or something subtle like none of the ideas you write down inspire you anymore.
3. Comparing Yourself with Others
When nothing seems to flow in your mind, it might wander to your creative peers and compare their progress with yours in a negative way.
4. Doubting Your Abilities
Impostor syndrome is strong when the burnout comes, so much so that you fear doing something wrong. Even though there is proof that you have skills and abilities that match your work, self-doubt immobilises you.
5. Losing Focus and ‘Procrastinating’
If you can’t seem to stay focused and your mind lingers to a point that your work gets delayed, this could be a sign that your procrastination isn’t by choice but the circumstances of your mental wellness.
6. Heavy Thoughts and Feelings
When your mind feels heavy, you might experience emotional burnout, like getting angry for no reason, an outburst of tears, or even feeling numb from everything.
7. Stress That Lingers
While stress is normal and can be dealt with in many ways, if it becomes paralysing and nothing seems to ‘cure’ it, you’re likely burnt out.
What To Do When You Notice These Burnout Signs
Let Your Team Know
If you’re part of a creative team, let them know of your burnout so arrangements can be made. Whether it’ll be reducing your workload or even scheduling a day off for you.
Take a Proper Break
It can be tempting to find something productive to do during your break, but creative burnout is something that requires rest away from activities that could add to the mental load.
Digital Detox
This may be daunting to some, but if your work requires you to be online always, it could contribute to your burnout. So, take a day or two away from technology by doing activities that engage in physical and tangible hobbies.
Key Takeaways and Reminders for You, Creatives
Burnout is normal and can be dealt with when you note the early signs.
Guilt from resting can be hard to overcome, but taking a break won’t lead to bad circumstances; rather, if you don’t, you’re affecting your well-being.
Recharge when your body calls for it, not as a reward for doing work.
If you want a community to vent or ask advice, TESSR created a space just for that in our Facebook Mental Health Group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of self-care can I do as a creative?
Creative self-care should be something that inspires but relaxes you, too. It can be reading a new book or watching the movies that sparked your creativity when you were younger. Anything that helps bring back your love for the arts is a form of creative self-care.
If my creative burnout doesn’t go away, what should I do?
If your symptoms persist despite proper rest and a break from work, consider seeking professional help for your burnout. The idea can be daunting, but seeking professional help will assist you not only in dealing with your burnout but also in learning how to prevent it better.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, including parodies of animated shows and plots for board games like Dungeons & Dragons. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. One day, she is eager to publish her book. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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