Dealing with Burnout: An Update & My 5 Go-To Fixes
Burnout. It’s real, it’s frustrating, and right now…I’m deep in it.
Not just with writing, but with everything. Gaming? No interest. Music? Not hitting the same. Even the things that usually bring me joy feel exhausting. I know I’m not alone in this, so I wanted to give you all an update and share what I’m doing to try and pull myself out of this creative slump.
Trying a New Routine
When burnout lingers, sometimes the best thing to do is switch things up. I’m planning to shake up my daily routine and see if a change in pace helps me find inspiration again. Will it work? I sure hope so. But in the meantime, here are my go-to ways to cope with burnout:
1. Take Breaks (Without Guilt!)
Forcing creativity never works, and sometimes, resting is the most productive thing you can do. Instead of stressing over not writing, I’m giving myself permission to step back and breathe.
2. Work Out & Move My Body
I won’t lie, I’m not always thrilled to exercise. But getting my body moving helps clear my mind and gives me an energy boost. Even a short walk or a quick stretch makes a difference. (My dog hates walks btw…ever heard of that?)
3. Watch Movies & Escape for a While
Sometimes, I just need to get lost in a good story without the pressure of writing my own. Movies (or binge-watching a series) let me step away and enjoy storytelling in a different way.
4. Read Some Books (For Fun!)
I love writing, but I started as a reader first. Right now, I’m diving into books purely for enjoyment. So, no overanalyzing, no pressure, just reading for the love of it. ( I bought an extra-large book box from Willow Winter’s website)
5. Watch Inspirational/Motivating Videos on YouTube
When I feel stuck, watching motivational content helps remind me why I love creating in the first place. Whether it’s an inspiring content creator, a writer’s journey, or just someone posting their vlogs, these videos give me a boost when I need it most.
Burnout isn’t easy to overcome, and I know it takes time. If you’ve been through something similar, how do you deal with burnout? Drop your best tips in the comments. I’d love to hear what works for you!