One of the reoccuring themes that I’m seeing on many of the writing forums I follow is other writers are feeling overwhelmed this time of year. “Sounds like burn out is going around,” warned one poster, as if it were as contagious as a case of the flu.
Truth be told, I’m feeling a few of the symptoms myself. Lately it’s felt more and more like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish half of what I want to do. And trying to set up multiple phone interviews around my subjects’ crazy schedules has wreaked havoc on my personal time (one person had to reschedule 3 times, which mean I had to change my schedule 3 times – oy!). So, here are a few of the tactics I’m going to try to get back on track:
- Say no more often. I’m already booked up until the beginning of December, and I’ve already said no to one low-paying assignment. I really wanted to write the story because the topic is near and dear to my heart, but it just wasn’t worth driving myself crazy for a small chunk of change. Lately I’ve been asking editors for more time before my deadline (upfront, not springing it on them the night before) and they’ve been happy to oblige.
- Turn off my computer at a reasonable hour. As long as my laptop is on, my brain is still running a mile a minute with story ideas, emails to write, and topics to Google. Shutting off my computer helps me wind down for the night, but when I’m on a roll, it’s really tempting to just keep going. Part of me regrets it the next day, and another part is pleased with the quality of writing.
- Take breaks. Heather Strang recommends something called an “artist date.” The idea is to take time for those activities that keep you sane and help you get in touch with your inspiration. For me, this means rocking out on the treadmill and leisurely browsing book stores. Many writers give themselves at least one computer-free day per week, but since I have to fit writing around my full time job, that’s not really an option for me (at least not right now).
Any other tips on staying sane and avoiding burn out? I’d love to hear them!
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who has weighed in so far with their comments. It’s great to know that so many other writers feel the same way. Speaking of other writers, Allison Winn Scotch (who is one of my freelancing idols) blogged about this very same topic recently, so you may want to check out her post, too.
Another way to combat burn out which I remembered belatedly is writing in a different locale, because sometimes a change of scenery can really help recharge those creative batteries. I’ve found several cafes near my apartment that are ideal for writing. While we’re on the topic, what’s your favorite writing spot?
I think you’ve given great tips, Susan. I know what you mean, though, by still having the computer on at night and your brain “running a mile a minute!” It’s hard to wind down, isn’t it?
Perhaps a day “completely away” from the computer/office will help.
*Take a shopping trip with a friend or family member.
*Visit someone you haven’t seen in a while.
*Volunteer for a good cause. Helping someone is a sure fire way to not only inspire creativity for when we head back to the computer, but will make us feel better about ourselves overall ;0)
Hope this helps!
Smiles,
Michele
Susan,
You’re awesome!!!
Thank you for linking to my post. And you are SO right. No is such a powerful and important word. I find that I feel so much more relief when I say “no” to projects that are not a good fit for me, than when I say “yes” and hate it the whole time.
Thanks so much for your insight and inspiration!
Heather
Thank you both! Another important way to avoid burn out that I failed to mention was writing in a different spot (like a coffeeshop or a park bench). That always does it for me, too.
I agree with the writing in a different place — I was begun a little beat in writing my book from home — so I took to the streets, er Starbucks Friday evening –and got a solid hour or so of writing in –and it’s unimaginable how much writing (5 pages !!! ) that was done coherently just by being somewhere else… I was definitely pleased, just to stir crazy to remain there for the night. However, change of scenery is always a plus!
*Thumbs up*!
Great ideas here. You’ve talked around it, but the best burnout advice I ever received was this: “Get a gym membership.”
I went from being a smoky, anxious writer to a more chill, stronger writer over the next year. Now I depend on it for relaxation, and every once in awhile, I’ll stumble on a great idea or line while zoned out at the gym.
I’ve started turning my laptop off at 8pm. I was frightened it would mean I’d miss something really important, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Now that I get a full 8 hours away from the small screen I am much more ready to start again in the morning!
Jason, you are absolutely right. In fact, I was recently reunited with my old friend the elliptical machine when I joined a gym near my apartment a few weeks ago. Just had my first personal training session tonight!
Beth, you are my idol. I don’t know if I will ever have that much self-restraint. Of course, most of my writing happens AFTER 8pm, because that’s when I seem to get the most inspiration, plus I usually get home and eat dinner around 7pm. Back to assignments for me…
These are great tips–especially as it’s past midnight and I haven’t put my laptop away!
My best tip for avoiding burnout is to get out of the house and hang out with people who aren’t writers or avid readers. It’s good for me to re-learn how to think and talk about other things sometimes!
Amen. I turned down work once, and it was recently. But instead of turning it down out of hand, I passed it on to a colleague. I don’t normally like “ghosting” out my work, but I trust this colleague. And the client was ghosting his work out for his client. Weird setup!
Excellent suggestions, Susan.
Though not a new category, my favorite “artist dates” are 1) a movie, red wine and dark chocolate with my wife, 2) a long walk on the mountain top, and 3) meditation.
Your article reminds me I need to do all three!
Peace and wonder,
CG
Hi CG,
Thanks for stopping by! Those sound like great ways to relieve stress, but I’m more of a white wine person myself. Cheers!
Susan