Burnout, Boredom & Blah

Decreased productivity & increased negativity. Sound familiar?

It's burnout, baby. And it's no surprise. Research suggests 70% of us are burnt the fuck out.

There are different types of burnout. For example, nurses get compassion fatigue. Whereas, writers get creative fatigue.

I want to focus on creative burnout, which should not be confused with writer's block.

Creative burnout and writer's block are two different things. For information on writer's block, and overcoming it, click here.

In this article, I'll cover six strategies to minimize creative burnout: Step Back. De-Clutter. The Schedule. Switch Off. Sleep Hygiene. The Switch Up.

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Burnout is not classified as a medical condition. However, in 2019, the World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as a syndrome.

WHO define burnout as: A syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

In other words, burnout is utter exhaustion.

You know, that too exhausted to sleep exhaustion?

Life is pointless exhaustion. Reaching for the bottle before lunch exhaustion. I have a million ideas crashing around in my head but I can't think of one idea, exhaustion.

It's not writers' block. It's worse, way worse. So let's figure out how to face it.

1. Step Back

I know you don't want to. No one does.

Taking a step back doesn't mean taking a sabbatical and embarking on a pilgrimage.

It might be a weekend away at the beach. A camping trip. Painting a canvas. Planting a garden. Reading a book (for pleasure).

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2. De-Clutter

More stuff = more stress.

Clean out your desk. Dust off your bookshelf.

Dr Jessica Louie explains that clutter elevates our stress levels. Particularly women. In her article, Dr Louie discusses the four type of clutter and how to tackle each one separately.

The take home message is clear. Clutter decreases our ability to process information. Clutter inhibits our ability to regulate our emotions. Clutter drains our energy.

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3. The Schedule

This is my favorite tool. Write in 10 or 15-minute blocks. Set a timer. Switch your phone to focus mode. Remove distractions.

When the alarm rings, after 15 minutes, stop. Take a break. Make tea. Sit in the sun for five minutes.

Limit your writing time. Tell yourself, 'today I will do ten 15-minute blocks.'

Two-and-a-half hours of solid writing is better than 6 hours of mindless scrolling, googling and emails. Two-and-a-half hours of writing is better than zero.

Burnout is hardcore. Zero hours of productivity is likely. Set achievable goals. Be kind to yourself.

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4. Switch Off

Turn the computer off. Turn the notifications off. Go to the gym. Walk the dog. Spend time with your family. Move your body. Clear your mind.

It may not be possible to take a two-week break when burnout rears it's ugly head. So, switching off is vital in recharging what battery you have left. Make yourself the priority.

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5. Sleep Hygiene

For me, this is the most challenging. Sleep hygiene is such a powerful tool. I will add some links to specific sleep hygiene routines below.

It's about winding down. Creating a routine. Limiting screen time. Meditating.

Sleep restriction can help insomniacs (this is me). Sleep restriction needs a standalone article.

Early morning sunshine can help reset your sleep/wake cycle. A gentle 5 to 10-minute morning walk is all it takes.

Useful resources on sleep hygiene and deep sleep:

• A brief intervention to reduce burnout and improve sleep quality in medical students

• Burnout is Preventable, But You'll Have to Rethink How You Work and Sleep

• Morning Sunlight Exposure - They say the best things in life are free, and morning sunlight is no exception.

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6. The Switch Up

Switch it up. Are you working on SciFi novel? Write some poetry. Write a personal essay. Diversify. Step out of your comfort zone. Replenish your creativity.

Visit a gallery. Get inspired. Read your favorite author. Read work that you're proud of. Remind yourself why you write and why you love it.

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The bottom line is writing can be isolating and lonely. It's mentally exhausting. Burnout and boredom are part of the game.

Think perspective shift. Reframe your understanding of burnout and boredom. Respect the process. Seize the opportunity to step away and work on something else.

Comment with your favorite tips and tricks. I want to know what works, and doesn't work for you. Sharing is caring.

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Stevi-Lee Alver is an Australian writer and tattoo artist. She lives in the middle of Brazil with her wife. She loves bush walks and waterfalls but misses the ocean.