Creative burnout

It’s vital we all take steps to avoid creative burnout lest we end up, like many of this year’s fireworks, without a spark, says 44’s resident creative expert Jess Grove…

The nights are drawing in, we’re all getting a little less daylight and that winter frost is on the horizon. And on top of that, we’ve just entered a second lockdown in England – and likely having to cancel our Bonfire Night plans, too!

At times like this it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, and when you’re trying to stay creative something often has to give, leading to creative burnout and sometimes more serious health and wellbeing problems. Of course, we all want to avoid that and find ways to stay healthy, safe and creatively prosperous.

If you’re starting to feel the dreaded early stages of creative burnout, here are five tips that might help keep the blues at bay this winter and put your mind back in creative gear!

1. Get outside in the winter sun

With such limited hours of daylight on offer at this time of year, it’s important to make the most of the winter sunshine. If you’re feeling the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or starting to feel creative burnout during your day, then wrap up and take a step outside.

A breath of fresh air and a natural dose of Vitamin D are a great way to boost your mood – and you’ll feel proper snuggly when you get back to your desk (as long as you remember to pop the heating on, or, my top tip, get a hot water bottle on the go!).

2. Help others

At this time of year with cold nights ahead, take a moment to think of those in need. Look out for any charity drives happening in your area – or create your own!

You could clear out some of the clothes your wardrobe or maybe some tinned foods you know you’re never going to get around to eating. Not only will the winter clean-up help tidy your home, and your mind, it will also help someone in need.

3. Cheer up your living space

Another lockdown means more time at home. Why not grab a paintbrush and brighten up your home, make some new artwork for your walls or spruce up your home office? Little improvements like this go a long way to help adjust your outlook. You might also find a creative spark comes to you while you’re slightly more relaxed, helping you to overcome any creative burnout.

4. Keep a journal

We’re in unprecedented times at the moment and it can all be a little much to digest in one go. Why not start a personal journal detailing what’s happening right now – it might end up being something you look back on in more positive times with some real curiosity, or even provide some creative inspiration for future you!

If writing isn’t your thing, set yourself a drawing challenge. Here’s a couple of idea to start you off: draw an alphabet’s worth of different items in your home or simply each letter of the alphabet in a decorative fashion – then pop a splash of colour on them!

5. Remember, you’re not alone

When the country comes to a halt again it might be a good time to dust off the old quiz books and log back into your Zoom account. Everyone can feel a little lonely at times, so why not arrange some video calls with your friends and colleagues? Check in with the people in your life, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll probably find you feel better for it too.

Communication, whether it be with family, friends or colleagues, is so important. The more we share our thoughts and feelings, the better we can be as a community. If you need help communicating, or overcoming your creative burnout, get in touch.