How to recognise creative burnout

It is the end of the year, and a chance to draw breath for most, but as creatives this can also be a challenging time given how "on" our brains have been for the last year.  Switching off can be just as difficult as switching on.  And sometimes we are suffering burn out subconsciously, which leads to not feeling positive about our creative output.

Here are some signs that you could be suffering from creative burnout, and how to deal with it in a healthy way:

Mental & Emotional Signs

- Feeling emotionally flat or detached from work you usually love

- Constant self-doubt, inner critic getting louder than usual

- Loss of excitement or curiosity about ideas

- Feeling overwhelmed by even small creative decisions

- Irritability, cynicism, or resentment toward your creative field

- Feeling like nothing you make is “good enough” or meaningful

Creative-Specific Signs

- Blankness: ideas don’t come, or they feel forced and repetitive

- Avoiding creative work despite wanting to do it

- Finishing work feels draining instead of satisfying

- Relying heavily on copying, trends, or “safe” ideas because risk feels exhausting

Physical & Cognitive Signs

- Mental fog, poor focus, or slow thinking when creating

- Chronic fatigue that rest doesn’t fully fix

- Headaches, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances

- Procrastination paired with guilt

Behavioral Patterns

- Overworking without feeling productive

- Doom-scrolling or excessive consumption instead of making

- Saying yes to too many projects—or avoiding all of them

- Comparing yourself constantly to other creatives

Identity & Motivation Shifts

- Questioning whether you’re “really” a creative anymore

- Feeling trapped by your creative identity or career

- Creating mainly out of obligation, fear, or survival—not desire

It is important to highlight that creative burn out is not the same as "writers block".  While creative / writers block is only temporary, burn out can be a lot of serious and long lasting. If you relate to any of the above signs, then that is your sign to take a step out.  Here are some things you can do to help combat that burn out:

- Spend time in nature, long walks or other forms of exercise give unbeatable headspace

- Lower the self expectation bar: make different, unfinished, or private work on purpose

- Shift from output goals to time or presence goals (e.g., 20 minutes, no expectations)

- Create something no one else will ever see

- Consume art outside your field

- Do low-stakes creative acts: doodling, journaling, collaging, playing with tools

- Let your nervous system calm before demanding more creativity

- Meditate for 10 minutes every few hours

 

Just remember, the world doesn't stop turning just because you need to come up for air.